Formula 1 | Szafnauer: “Ocon is just as strong as Verstappen”

For the same car, Esteban Ocon would be able to match the performance of Max Verstappen: the operations director of Force India is convinced of this, Otmar Szafnauer. “It's hard to say because they drive two different cars, but I think Esteban is just as strong. The difference is that Max signed a big contract with Red Bull and we probably have Ocon for a hundredth of the price." – said Szafnauer a Sky Sports.

Although the spotlight is perpetually on the Dutchman from Red Bull, Ocon, with his solid and constant performances, has also managed to gain good media attention: “The first time we took Esteban in the car we knew that there was something special about it. He understands the car really well. He has great control of the car, which is why he can reach the limit very quickly and describe his sensations to you. He also knows what he wants from the car, he is very mature for his age. I think the biggest success has been its constant improvement. From the beginning of 2017 to now, it has improved in many aspects”.

Szafnauer then focused on the contractual situation of the 21-year-old Frenchman, currently on loan from Mercedes: “Sometimes leasing is better than buying. They could get it back and I think probably, at some point, he will take a seat at Mercedes, but for now he is with us. We'll see what the future holds, but I think he will continue to improve.".

Federico Martino