Renault F1 launch: Q&A with Esteban Ocon, 3rd driver

Hot French talent Esteban Ocon returns to Enstone for 2016 as Renault Sport Formula One Team Third and Reserve Driver.

Previously part of the Lotus F1 Team Junior programme, Esteban had a year to remember in 2015, winning the GP3 championship after seeing off a challenge from Luca Ghiotto. Fourteen podiums including a run of nine second places showed remarkable consistency to take the crown.

In 2014 Esteban saw off Max Verstappen to take the FIA European Formula 3 Championship crown with that year ending in a Lotus F1 Team car at the end of season test. Subsequent runs for Force India have showcased his ability. Esteban joins Renault Sport, but remains part of the Mercedes-Benz junior programme. The year before, he battled with Pierre Gasly and Oliver Rowland in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0.

How does it feel to be announced as Renault Sport Formula One Team’s Third Driver?

I’m absolutely delighted to be part of Renault’s return to Formula 1 as a works team. At the end of last year, I signed up for the long term as part of the Mercedes-Benz junior programme, and I’m very proud that I have now also been chosen to help the Renault Sport Formula One Team this year. Not just as a French driver with a French team, but also because I can build on what I started a few years ago with the guys and girls at Enstone.

What is your history with Enstone?

Part of my heart is in this corner of the countryside in England. I grew up there, and visited for the first time when I was still go-karting at 13 years old. It blew me away: the people, the technology, just incredible. I was part of the Enstone family in junior categories until the end of 2014 and even had my first Formula 1 race weekend experience with the team in Abu Dhabi that year. I know many people in the team and I’ve learned so much from them. I’m still a young guy – but we have a long history together.

What is your approach to the season ahead?

To learn as much as I can and soak up information like a sponge. To be ready to jump in the car any time. And to help the team wherever I can. This is an incredible opportunity for me and I want to be ready to take the next step!

Aside from your role with Renault Sport Formula One Team, what else will you be doing?

My career has been managed by Mercedes since the end of 2014 and I became a full Mercedes junior at the end of last season, after winning the GP3 Series. Even in my new role as third driver for Renault Sport Formula One Team, I remain a long term member of the Mercedes family, and I have to thank Mercedes and Renault for making this possible. There are some opportunities out there to race as well this season but nothing has been decided yet. It is an incredible opportunity to be guided and supported by Toto (Wolff) and Mercedes – and to have the honour of representing a brand like Renault in Formula 1.

Key Dates

2014 – 2015: GP3 series

A debut season in the GP3 series came with the championship crown after Esteban held off his nearest rival Luca Ghiotto. While only taking one race victory - a further two were revoked on technical issues - Esteban was a remarkably consistent podium scorer with fourteen finishes in the top three. Esteban was also a part of the Mercedes F1 driver development programme, and ran in testing for the Force India F1 Team.

2014: FIA European Formula 3 Championship

Max Verstappen was the only driver who could come close to Esteban in the European Formula 3 championship of 2014. After earning a drive with the leading Prema Powerteam outfit following the Macau Grand Prix, Esteban rose to the top of the standings in the first round and won the championship with a round spare. He picked up nine wins and a total of 21 podiums that season. His success earned him a test with the Lotus F1 Team in Abu Dhabi as well as a Race of Champions debut.

2012 – 2013: Formula Renault 2.0

Esteban made his single seater debut in 2012, taking part in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 with Koiranen Motorsport. He took four point scoring finishes in his first year, none more pleasing than a home podium at Le Castellet. Esteban combined this campaign with a Formula Renault 2.0 Alps part season, taking two podiums at the Red Bull Ring. For 2013, he switched to the ART Junior Team and took his first victory at favoured home circuit Le Castellet on his way to third in the standings.