In 2022, Esteban Okon is the leader of Team Alpine in points earned. Because of his 24 points to 2 for teammate Fernando Alonso. The French driver’s career is developing steadily, but at the end of 2018 Esteban was out of contract and spent 2019 as a reserve driver for Mercedes.
“That year was very difficult for me, especially psychologically,” Esteban Ocon recalls that period of his career. “What I remember most is what happened in Australia. I came to the first race of 2019 knowing that Mercedes had an extensive testing program planned. I expected to spend a lot of time behind the wheel, but in Australia they told me that I would definitely not be driving for the next six months.
This news was a big blow to me. I remember leaving the job that day – I was sitting in a rented car in the parking lot and sobbing. It was definitely one of the most embarrassing moments. I have no trouble sleeping, but I didn’t sleep well that night.
Everyone at Mercedes looked after me from James Vowles to Toto Wolff and Gwen Lagrue. They all tried to find a way out for me. Toto was very clear and once said to me, “You’re going to ride in 2020.” I asked him, “How do you know this?”, and he replied, “You will see.”
I didn’t want to believe him so as not to be disappointed later, but before that, there were many instances where he said something, and then it happened. In my case, he also kept his word. I got behind the wheel of a racing car in 2020 – not Mercedes, but Renault started a new chapter in my career.”
Source: F1 News
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