Esteban Ocon enjoys the luxury of growing interest in the market, with several teams enquiring about his services. The Frenchman has gone through a difficult few months at Alpine, but there are plenty of alternatives on the F1 grid. Over the next few weeks, Ocon will be a crucial player to watch in the market – especially as Carlos Sainz hesitates on his decision.
A few days ago, formu1a.uno reported on Sainz’s increasingly precarious situation. In short, the Spaniard’s inability to make a firm choice for 2025 could begin compromising his options for next season.
Williams and Sauber, the two teams who began 2024 pursuing his services, are growing impatient. The 29-year-old is showing a lot of hesitancy, which does not bode well for his confidence in either project.
Considering that Sainz is now considering an offer from Alpine, it cannot be said he is overly confident in the potential for growth at Hinwil or Grove.
How Ocon stands to benefit in the market
Though not without his controversies, Ocon is undoubtedly a fast driver. He brings a combination of speed and experience to the table, two assets that are immensely valuable in the midfield.
Because of this, Esteban Ocon is emerging as one of the most sought-after names in the midfield.
For some time now, the 27-year-old has been in negotiations with Haas. The American outfit, an increasingly attractive destination under Ayao Komatsu, is conscious of what Ocon could bring.
However, the Alpine driver is on the radar of other teams. He is understood to be near the top of the shortlists at Sauber and Williams.
Even assuming that Sainz joins either of these teams, Ocon would still have two options to choose from.
With that said, it is plausible that Esteban Ocon will be the one to strike first. The longer the Ferrari driver deliberates over his future, the more that teams will begin to look elsewhere.
After all, since the 2026 regulations are a complete reset, teams want drivers committed to their projects. This is an especially important point for Sauber and Williams, two outfits with ambitious future goals.
Contract season always ramps up in the build-up to the summer break. 2024 will be no different, as the market’s leading players begin to assert themselves in a bid to secure their futures in Formula 1.
