After the season Esteban Ocon has had, he’s allowed to be confident in his abilities. The Frenchman became just the second driver to outscore his teammate Fernando Alonso in his F1 career. Moreover, he is looking forward to the next season and also hopes to challenge Max Verstappen with an equal car.

Ocon finished P8 in the WDC standings and scored a whopping 92 points. He’s been in an inspired form and will hope to carry it to the next season. Moreover, the Frenchman hopes to challenge reigning world champion Max Verstappen in an equal car in the future.

In an interview with NOS, Ocon said, “I am convinced that I could compete against Max with the same weapons, I have to be. If you do not believe in yourself, you have nothing to do in this sport.” [Translated from Google]

The Frenchman continued, “I have a contract with Alpine until 2024 and we are growing a lot to close the gap with the I trust them a lot and my commitment is great”

Ocon once went head-to-head against Verstappen in the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix, and the result was not ideal. In an attempt to un-lap himself, Ocon tagged the race leader Verstappen and cost him the race win. The Dutchman was furious, and he even pushed Ocon post-GP.

READ MORE: “Disappointed” Esteban Ocon Hits Back at Fernando Alonso for Unnecessarily Sour Criticism

After Alonso announced he was signing for Aston Martin, Pierre Gasly replaced the Spaniard. Ocon hasn’t had the best of relationships with Gasly, but the duo would be looking to keep things professional and help Alpine next season.

Despite Fernando Alonso’s comments, Esteban Ocon claims the Spaniard will always remain a “legend”

The relationship between Alonso and Ocon might have been bumpy, but the Frenchman still respects the double world champion. After their collision in Sao Paulo Sprint, which saw the Spaniard fall down the order, Alonso said, “It’s far from ideal when it’s your team mate, but it’s been a little like this [with Ocon] all year long.”

“It’s one more race and then it’s over, finally.”

Ocon, in reply, said, “It’s no secret that I was disappointed in seeing his comments after the race. There was no need for some [of the] criticism that he has done.”

He further added, “But I respect him a lot. I will forever respect him for what he has done on the track over the years. He’s a legend of the sport and that won’t change – but I was a bit disappointed.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Behind Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon’s infamous F1 beef

After helping Alpine finish P4 in the WCC, Ocon will be looking to improve on his P8 finish next season. Can the Frenchman keep aside his personal differences with his future teammate and crack the top 3 with his team in the WCC?