Esteban Ocon has been reticent over his prospects in Formula 1 once he departs Alpine at the end of this season, admitting that “you never know” what can transpire.
Alpine announced earlier this month that a mutual choice had been made to discontinue the Enstone-based team’s long-existing partnership with Ocon past this term.
Ocon’s impending egress comes at a time when relations between the driver and team are tense amid the opening-lap collision between the Alpine drivers in Monaco.
The Frenchman revealed prior to the news that he was holding talks with several teams as he wanted to avoid being placed on the sidelines again like he was in 2019.
But although he relishes what could be on the radar for him as he intends to remain in F1, Ocon has conceded there is no guarantee that he will be on the grid in 2025.
“You never know in Formula 1 what the future can lie,” Ocon expressed. “But as I said, I’m excited for future challenges.
“I’ve got 15 more races to do and it’s important to do a good job and coming to the races motivated as I’ve always been and enjoy what I do.
“For sure, my target is to be in Formula 1, that is very clear. That’s where I enjoy to be.”
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu disclosed in Canada that Ocon was under consideration as he ponders the candidates to replace Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg.
Komatsu explained how the one-time F1 race winner’s experience made him a strong contender as he strives to partner an established name with an upcoming talent.
“He’s got a lot of experience,” Komatsu said on Ocon. “He’s a race winner, he’s got podium finishes and he’s scored many points.
“He’s also worked with a few different teams so he’s got lots of experience, which is what we’re looking for but also he’s only 27, still very young.
“I think his commitment and work ethic is really, really good.”
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Oliver Bearman, who will drive Haas’ VF-24 in FP1 in Barcelona, is thought to be a leading choice to earn a full-time seat with the American outfit.
Haas opting for an all-new line-up with Bearman and Ocon would leave Kevin Magnussen without a place and the Dane has professed he’s braced for that possibility.
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