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MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 07: Esteban Ocon of France and Mercedes GP looks on in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 07, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
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MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 07: Esteban Ocon of France and Mercedes GP looks on in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 07, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
Esteban Ocon had a nightmare 2019 season after some unexpected changes in the driver line-ups. In his own words, the season left him “Destroyed” after he couldn’t race for a whole year. While Ocon’s current performances are impressive, it wasn’t without a transformation. The young driver took his lessons from the season well and now is a fearsome rival in the midfield.
I don’t know what to write I’m lost for words, we just won the Hungarian @f1 Grand Prix i will forever remember this moment !!🔥
Thank you to @AlpineF1Team without them I would not have make it, and what a drive by the legend himself @alo_oficial he’s part of this too 🔥 #P1 pic.twitter.com/PpbyTOD4oL— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) August 1, 2021
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From giving a tough fight to teammate Fernando Alonso, to fighting valiantly for a top 5, Ocon has given some boast-worthy performances. Moreover, he currently stands P9 on the table, far ahead of Alonso.
In 2019, though, the 25-year-old faced a tough time when Lance Stroll’s move to Racing Point cost Ocon his seat.
Esteban Ocon describes his Australian nightmare with Mercedes
After losing his seat at Racing Point, the Frenchman became a reserve driver for Mercedes. Explaining his mental anguish, the Alpine driver opened up in an ‘F1: Beyond The Grid’ podcast.
He said, “It was definitely tough and I had some very you know low moments, mentally. I think I will remember that one from Australia, after first race in 2019 and we were you know supposed to have quite a big test program you know I was supposed to drive the car quite a bit.”
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Qatar Grand Prix – Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar – November 18, 2021 Alpine’s Esteban Ocon during a press conference Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
“And when I got to uh Australia I got told (Mercedes) that I was not gonna drive the car for the next 6 months. Next race was gonna be in six months time, because that’s how it was planned and unfortunately the days were reduced…That was quite a big hit and I remember you know leaving the Melbourne track… and I cried in the parking lot.“
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However, this was long back and Ocon has come a long way since then. His return to F1 was sensational as he not only scored a podium, but became a Grand Prix winner. However, his days in 2019 did teach him a lot when he acted as a Mercedes reserve driver. The trackside duties and heavy simulator work put a fight inside Ocon to perform next year.
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The Frenchman has been performing really well for team Alpine. Moreover, he looks nowhere close to leaving the outfit anytime soon, having a contract till 2024. His talent and determination buoyed his F1 future as he managed a comeback.
