The good work of Esteban Ocon in his first full season in Formula 1 with Force India will continue in 2018. The French rider has issued a press statement this morning through their social networks that will continue riding for the team of Vijay Mallya the next season, closing with this any kind of mystery or speculation about his immediate future, as well as the alignment of Force India next year.
It’s official, and I can say that I’m very happy to stay with @forceindiaf1 @mercedesamg for 2018!Let’s go for more! #EO31 pic.twitter.com/NJjE4v34iD
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) September 19, 2017
“it’s official, and I can say that I am very happy to continue with Force India-Mercedes for the season 2018 Formula 1. Let’s go for more, guys!”, is the message (published in its entirety in your account of Instagram) Ocon, who turned 21 years old this Sunday in Singapore with a tenth place, their thirteenth position of points in 14 races. The computer has not been expressed officially, given that Ocon signed a contract for the duration of 3 seasons in November of last year, and Mallya has already stated, in the announcement of the renewal of Sergio Perez, who his young promise would also continue.
The announcement of the French rider, who does not cease to be a mere formality, puts an end to any speculation about a change of scenery next season. Ocon pilot for Force India as a member of the program of development of Mercedes, who has placed in him high hopes for the immediate future, but the course of the season has not been as pleasant as the results indicate, in particular, to compete with a Doe that has had more of a confrontation on the track, which forced the team to take the reins in similar situations for the future.
Before this, several teams were interested to Mercedes for the availability of your pilot, especially a Renault for which he made four free practice sessions in 2016 before moving to Manor. The French brand had not yet completed the hiring of Carlos Sainz, and there was a clear feasibility to give you the opportunity to Robert Kubica. The confirmation of the signing of Spanish driver last week and the expected continuity of Nico Hülkenberg to close definitely that option, at least for the next season, in which Ocon will try to take a step further to convince Mercedes that his bet is correct.
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