Ocon not afraid of 'Vandoorne situation' at Renault when Alonso returns

Esteban Ocon has returned to Formula 1 at Renault this year after being absent for a year. At the moment he is sitting next to Daniel Ricciardo, but next year that seat will be occupied by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. That comes with both advantages and disadvantages, because as a youngster Ocon has to prove more than veteran Alonso.

Vandoorne in the shade

At the time Fernando Alonso was driving for McLaren, Stoffel Vandoorne found himself in the shadow of the great Spaniard. This had an effect on his reputation, because he was eliminated every time and because Alonso was the more important driver - McLaren treated him the same way. That's a risk that Ocon might face later on.

However, Ocon doesn't (yet) care about that. "I didn’t think about it too much. Once again I’m going to try the best I can and work with the team. I know the challenges and I know Fernando is a quick guy, but I think we have a lot to play together to bring the team forward first. We will see what happens," said the Frenchman to Crash.net.

Alonso has much to bring

Ocon was very happy with the news that Alonso is returning, because the Spaniard has a lot to bring. That of course based on his experience in the royal class of the car sport. "I was very happy with the news. For sure I can’t wait to get started and to be working with him."

It is certain that Ocon will face a challenge, but it remains to be seen whether it will be his greatest challenge. "I don’t know, we will see… It’s hard to say because it has not happened," Esteban Ocon said.