A few last but important pieces are still missing to complete the grand design of formations 2023. The painting that came out of it from the announcement of the withdrawal of Hag at the end of the current season, from partnership under the table between Alonso and Aston Martin, Piastri's turncoat refusal against Alpine, Mick's pending contract Schumacher and the bitter separation between Ricciardo and McLaren, it's quite convoluted. The names on the table of the Team Principal Alpine, Otmar Szafnauer there are still many, but the quiet spectator of this telenovela show also intervened on the preferences: Esteban Ocon. During the press conference that precedes the race weekend in Holland, the Frenchman wanted to clarify his position on the matter, indicating the candidacy for Fernando's place, which he would like to see accepted.
Ocon asks Mick Schumacher
Ocon had his say preference for good friend and current Haas driver Mick Schumacher.
"There are certainly a lot of discussions going on right now, after Fernando's departure," Ocon told Zandvoort on Thursday. “People know that my choice, if I had any say, would be Mick, obviously if he has nothing planned for next year. Mick…he is first of all a good friend of mine, so if I can help him that's fine”Ocon added. “But I think he also showed talent in the youth categories, he was very fast. Sometimes, in Formula 1, it's not easy to perform with a car that isn't competitive. It happened to me too when I started racing in F1. "
But Gasly is getting closer
We don't want Esteban but the Alpine would seem to have taken another path. The name of Pierre Gasly has advanced in recent days and according to the latest rumors there would have already been the call to bring French to Alpine, to complete the duo with his compatriot. Giving us another clue is a recent conversation between Leclerc and Pierre who allegedly spoke to his Monegasque friend about the details of a contract. The conversation was innocently picked up by Ferrari, who hid this clue in a "behind the scenes" video on their YouTube channel. Should Ocon really arrive, he would have less political weight, as there are two French riders, but Esteban doesn't say he is worried about the possibility.
“We have a good relationship with Pierre”, Ocon said. “It's no problem, we have respect for each other and whoever is on my side, I'm sure the team will make the best choice and we can race well.
"I think the important thing for me is to lead the team in the best possible way, develop the machine in the best possible way. And yes, having respect between the two riders and a good atmosphere, I think that's the most important thing."
Source statements: formula1.com
