Lewis Hamilton is the leading driver for Mercedes and Valtteri Bottas will once again provide support this season. For 2019, the pair will be backed up by third and reserve driver Esteban Ocon. He was drafted as a reserve driver after losing his drive following the fall of Force India.
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Mercedes are expected to part ways with Bottas at the end of the year if he fails to perform at the same level as Hamilton. If that does come to pass, Ocon could be in line to step up and replace the Finn.
But if he is not given a chance to drive in motorsport’s premier competition, he could consider calling time on his racing career.
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“I want to be world champion one day. It’s my goal and my dream,” Ocon told Auto Hebdo.
“Of course it’s not great not to compete this season, but I’m still focused on F1 and I think it’s the right choice.
“After, if I do not find a drive for 2020, then it will turn to something because I have to continue working and find the track in the race.”
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Esteban Ocon
Ocon could be called upon at any moment this season to step in for Hamilton or Bottas.
And he is doing everything possible to be ready for any situations which may arise.
“I will be present at all the Grands Prix,” he added.
“I must stay on the page and informed of everything that happens in case I have to return at one time or another.
“You never know what the future holds in F1.”
Hamilton is the favourite to win his sixth world title this year.
Success would take him one win behind Michael Schumacher’s all-time record.
Ocon’s seat at Force India, now called Racing Point, has been taken over by Lance Stroll
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Ocon in the Mercedes
