Is F1 Star Esteban Ocon's Future in Jeopardy? Expert Weighs In
Esteban Ocon's Formula 1 future is in doubt as former Haas team principal Günther Steiner warns about his inconsistent performance, especially compared to rookie teammate Oliver Bearman. Bearman has outperformed Ocon in seven consecutive races, frequently reaching Q3 while Ocon often exits in Q1. Despite Ocon's explanations for his recent struggles, his low points tally in the last six races suggests his position is precarious, highlighting the brutal meritocracy of F1.
Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has issued a stark warning: Esteban Ocon's Formula 1 future is looking increasingly uncertain. Steiner believes the Frenchman is under immense pressure, particularly from his teammate Oliver Bearman, who has delivered several impressive performances in his rookie full season.
Why it matters:
Esteban Ocon, a seasoned F1 driver, is facing significant scrutiny over his performance compared to rookie Oliver Bearman. This dynamic not only puts Ocon's seat at risk but also highlights the intense competition for spots in Formula 1, where consistent performance is paramount, regardless of experience. The potential shift could signal a new generation taking hold and redefine team strategies for future seasons.
The details:
- Performance Gap: Bearman, a 20-year-old, finished sixth at the Brazilian Grand Prix, while Ocon failed to score points again. This marked the seventh consecutive race where Bearman outperformed his French teammate.
- Steiner's Analysis: In 'The Red Flags' podcast, Steiner explicitly stated, "I think he should be worried." He highlighted Ocon's frequent Q1 exits and Bearman's consistent progression to Q3, often securing solid top-8 positions.
- Ocon's Defense: After finishing 12th in Sao Paulo, having started from the pit lane, Ocon attributed his struggles to a puncture in the early laps. He claimed, "I would have finished much further ahead today if I hadn't had a flat tire in the first few laps. I was there at the end, fighting for a point, but I lacked a few laps."
- Recent Struggles: Ocon has only managed to score two points in his last six races. Only Colapinto, Stroll, and Gasly have performed worse since Monza.
The big picture:
Steiner also raised questions about the availability of suitable alternatives for Ocon's seat. He pondered whether younger talent from behind could fill the void or if current experienced drivers, despite their age, remain the best option. He pointed out the increasing age of some F1 veterans, noting Fernando Alonso will be 45 in early 2027 and Lewis Hamilton 42.
What's next:
While Ocon's contract situation remains a key topic, the pressure will undoubtedly mount if his performance struggles continue. Teams are always looking for the best talent, and a consistent lack of results, especially when compared to a rookie teammate, could force difficult decisions for his future in Formula 1.