Esteban Ocon reveals how he overturned early season struggles in 2020


Esteban Ocon reveals how he overturned early season struggles in 2020
Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon was speculated to take over from Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes. But a less than impressive 2020 season made all of that go in vain. Ocon did not start the season particular well for Renault. Driving alongside Daniel Ricciardo, Ocon was more often than not, the Australian Driver outraced him. But after managing to improve upon in the latter stages of the season, Ocon managed to get himself a seat in the French side yet again for the upcoming 2021 season. 

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Ocon’s driving made fanatics criticise him for not being Mercedes material. But a podium finish should hold in good stead for him in 2021. The Frenchman found adjusting to a new car quite challenging. Ocon hadn’t driven a Renault powered car in F1 before. But will he be able to capitalise on his improving form in 2021? That remains to be seen. 

Esteban Ocon on last season’s early struggle 

Speaking about the season gone by, Esteban said as per Autosport, “We were experimenting more and more on my side than we were earlier in the year. Early on, I was trying to sort my driving out, and sort everything I was doing on track. 

“In the end, I feel that we did that a lot better later in the year, and I was happier with the car. I was the happiest with the car in Bahrain 1 than I was the whole season. I think we were touching with the finger on something, and it was definitely the right way and the right progression.” 

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Elaborating on his challenges, Ocon added, “Overall the car doesn’t work the same as the Mercedes does, like I drove in testing, or the Force India. 

“You don’t take the corner the same way, it’s a little bit different. The way of approaching and the way of tuning the car, it’s not the same. So, I’ve had to relearn stuff.” 

Having said that, driving alongside Fernando Alonso, will be even more challenging for Ocon. Will he show fans this year just why he was so highly thought of by Mercedes? We will surely find out when the season begins in March. 

Also Read: Toto Wolff dismisses Christian Horner’s claims of Max Verstappen being better…

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