Throwback: When Esteban Ocon Tested for Ferrari

Back in 2014, the then European Formula 3 champion Esteban Ocon took part in a Formula One test for Ferrari at Fiorano. This test took place barely a week after Lotus said he was exceptional.

As a prize for his title success that year, the Frenchman was given a day’s running at Ferrari’s test track in a four-year old Ferrari F10.

Head of Ferrari’s Driver Academy Luca Baldisserri could not hide his delight at what he had seen.

“It’s always very exciting for us engineers to be there when a young driver gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time,” he said.

“Even if we are used to working with rookies, it’s a real surprise to see someone to take to the track showing a level of professionalism as demonstrated by Esteban today.

“Despite it being his first time in one of our cars, he tackled the test without making any mistakes and was quick right from the start.

“It’s not an easy task, especially on an emotional level, because I reckon that driving a Ferrari is a dream for anyone who wants to be a professional racing driver and we hope that today’s good results are a good sign for his future.”

Ocon earned great praise from Lotus last week after a test at Valencia in a 2012 car last week, his first experience of F1 machinery.

The Frenchman finally made his debut in 2016 in place of an ousted Rio Haryanto. He was treated to quite the upgrade when he signed for Force India in 2017. Despite recording decent results and a close battle with teammate Sergio Perez, he still lost a racing seat.

Fortunately, Mercedes saw fit to give him a second chance and made Ocon their reserve driver.