Mercedes has signed European Formula Three champion Esteban Ocon to its roster of young drivers.
The 18-year-old who beat Max Verstappen to last year’s European Formula Three driver is racing in GP3 this year and will serve as test and reserve driver for Mercedes’ DTM team.
Mercedes added Ocon has “signed a contractual option that could see him become a fully fledged Mercedes-Benz driver in the future”, but did not specify whether that might include its Formula One programme. Tom Blomqvist, who finished runner-up to Ocon in F3 last year, is already racing in the DTM with BMW.
Ocon was previously part of Lotus’s young driver programme and drove the team’s car during the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. He already has enough FIA superlicence points to be eligible to race in F1 next year.
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Matthijs (@matthijs)
7th May 2015, 11:05
He deserves more than just a step sideways. But then again, the boy is still only 18 and if he does well, he is still one of the highest prospects.
MattDS (@mattds)
7th May 2015, 13:24
@matthijs but he has gotten way more than a step sideways. From the 200HP F3’s, the 400HP GP3’s are a good step up, and a logical progression.
hahostolze
7th May 2015, 16:08
F3 cars are about 230 these days, and GP3 only reach the 400 with the powerboost, normally only 280. Added to a heavier car, not sure I agree with you. GP3 only a few second quicker on a long lap.
MattDS (@mattds)
7th May 2015, 19:46
@hahostolze: I think you’re mixing several things up. GP3 have no boost or push to pass or whatever. They make 400HP, period. This power comes from a naturally aspirated 3.4 V6.
The 280 number you’re quoting is the base power they had with the previous engine, which was a turbo 2.0.
As for lap times, the shortest circuit they shared in 2014 was the Red Bull Ring, where the F3’s went round fastest in 1:24.7 while GP3 did 1:20.5. That’s a healthy differnece for such a short track. For reference: GP2 1:15.3 – F3 is almost as far off GP3 as GP3 is off GP2.
So yes, like I said, that’s a good step up.
Matthijs (@matthijs)
7th May 2015, 19:43
Yes the cars are faster (but not much). But the competition is not more severe than in F3 I think and the FIA does not award more superlicence points to GP3 than to F3.
MattDS (@mattds)
7th May 2015, 19:54
@matthijs the cars are noticeably faster. For an example, see my reply above.
And how on earth is the FIA awarding superlicence points a decent argument? They award more points to F3 than they do to FR3.5, that alone should tell you the quality of your argument.
Anyway, I don’t get why this is even being discussed. It is definitely a solid step up. I don’t think too many would argue that.
Matthijs (@matthijs)
7th May 2015, 21:04
Hang on, we are on the same team. I hope Ocon will succeed because he earns it. And I brought the superlicence points up, not because I think they are correct, but because they might hamper Ocon’s promotion if the results are not there this year.
MattDS
8th May 2015, 7:25
@matthijs agreed, Ocon seems like a great talent and it would be nice to see him succeed. GP3 is starting this weekend so we’ll get a first taste of how he’ll do there.
As for the super licence points, they’ll only expire by the end of 2017. He has time – and if he does well in GP3 and then GP2 (which he should, given his talent), then they should not pose a problem. If he doesn’t do well and doesn’t get enough points, then maybe he isn’t a good fit for F1. It’s possible for drivers to do well up until F3, then fail at higher levels. Time will tell.
Matthijs (@matthijs)
8th May 2015, 7:40
@mattds Agreed. Thanks for the extra info.
Iestyn Davies (@fastiesty)
7th May 2015, 11:57
Interesting.. with Wehrlein, Ocon they have two big talents. The perfect replacements for Lewis and Nico.. but with a superlicence for a few years, I wonder if Ocon will now be the F1 reserve from next year? Maybe Pascal’s DTM seat with GP2 for Pascal? Both will then be able to move into F1..
Polo (@polo)
7th May 2015, 15:37
I’m wondering what will happen with Wehrlein considering the new superlicence rules – unless I misunderstand something about them, I believe Wehrlein will have 0 of the 40 points required by 2016, as by that point he will have been racing in DTM for the past three years (which gives no superlicence points). Won’t he have to try and get some strong championship finishes in Euro F3/GP2/GP3 etc. over the next 3 years if he wants to have any hope of getting a superlicence anytime soon? To be eligible for a superlicence by 2017 he would have to do something like win Euro F3 or get a top two finish in GP2 next year, as it looks like he is just going to be doing DTM this year.
If Mercedes want him to be ready for F1 in case of an unexpected driver departure, I would’ve thought they would’ve put him in one of the junior formulas by now. Going by Toto’s comments at the beginning of the year, it seems like they would be more likely to put Alonso or Bottas in the car if one of their drivers left in the near future anyway – it’s starting to sound like Mercedes might need a junior team soon!
PhilEReid (@philereid)
7th May 2015, 12:09
“Tom Blomqvist, who finished runner-up to Ocon in F1 last year, is already racing in the DTM with BMW.”
I’m assuming he didn’t finish runner up in F1, Keith :P
PhilEReid (@philereid)
7th May 2015, 12:09
@keithcollantine
Tyler (@tdog)
7th May 2015, 12:33
I sincerely hope he doesn’t end up in DTM, where talented young careers go to die (Wickens, da Costa etc)
Jack (@jmc200)
7th May 2015, 12:42
Racing for a works team, for a salary, in one of the most professional racing series in the world?
andae23 (@andae23)
7th May 2015, 12:41
Good move from Mercedes, but I hope Ocon will manage to avoid DTM and Pascal Wehrlein his career down the drain.
Pat Ruadh (@fullcoursecaution)
7th May 2015, 13:15
Signs Carmen Jorda, loses Esteban Ocon…
Slow hand clap for Enstone.
Deej92 (@deej92)
7th May 2015, 17:37
I can see Ocon being loaned out to a Mercedes-powered team in the near future (maybe 2016?) if he progresses well, leapfrogging Wehrlein in the pecking order.
One scenario is Renault buying Toro Rosso, they take Grosjean and Ocon returns to Lotus as full-time driver.
An opportunity may also arise at Williams with Massa nearing retirement and Bottas being linked with Raikkonen’s Ferrari seat.
Most unlikely in the near future is Mercedes themselves. Hamilton will surely sign the contract soon and I highly doubt Rosberg’s seat is under threat to a rookie. A Mercedes seat further down the line would be Ocon’s aim, as long as they are still in the sport.
Iestyn Davies (@fastiesty)
8th May 2015, 13:44
@deej92 Would be better for Renault to buy back Lotus, Grosjean and Ocon there.. but I doubt Renault have the money. But Williams would be a great shout.