Ocon aims for early confirmation on F1 future

Esteban Ocon is eager to finalize his next Formula 1 contract before the start of the August summer break.

In 2024, Ocon has seen his standing suffer considerably as the floundering Alpine team has decided against renewing his contract. At 27 years old, Ocon stands by his abilities.

"In all the other series I have competed in and that had the same car, I was able to fight for podiums and championships," he was quoted in Spanish media.

"I am having negotiations, and good negotiations, but when you do well on the track, there are always negotiations," Ocon remarked.

"At the moment there is nothing to announce, but there are many discussions underway and hopefully before the summer I can announce it because what we are talking about is whether people believe in me or not."

It's speculated that Sauber might consider Ocon if they fail to secure Carlos Sainz, although Haas appears to be a more likely destination for him.

"I'm a driver at a high level this season, even if you can't see it from the car I have," Ocon asserts. "I'm probably the purest racer there is with all the values put together, but that's how it is."

Ocon regrets that his tenure with Renault-Alpine is concluding on a bitter note, noting that the original executives who backed him are no longer with the team.

"It's very different," he observed. "There are many new people who are more involved now. But it doesn't matter, for me the important thing is to focus on the track with my small team of engineers, which is the same as always."

While Ocon's transfer to Haas is not yet definite, the prospects of Ferrari-supported rookie Oliver Bearman joining the modest American team next year seem increasingly certain. "There are all these rumours and speculations," the young F2 driver expressed in Barcelona. "There is really no truth in them."

Nonetheless, as Haas continues to feature him in multiple Friday practice sessions this season, Bearman acknowledges it's not outlandish to believe a full-time seat could be his if he keeps performing well.

"I don't know if that assumption is right or wrong," the British driver stated, "but of course that's my goal and what I'm aiming for. There is no need to hide it."