Esteban Ocon at Force India / Racing Point (2017–2019)

Esteban Ocon's two full seasons with Force India, transitioning into Racing Point, were a crucible that forged his reputation as a tenacious and consistently high-performing Formula 1 driver. Arriving as a relatively unknown quantity, Ocon quickly established himself as a formidable talent, extracting impressive results from a car often punching above its weight.

How it began

Ocon joined Force India for the 2017 season, his first full campaign in Formula 1, after a brief nine-race stint with Manor Marussia in late 2016. Force India, known for its efficiency and ability to maximize a more modest budget, provided a challenging yet fertile ground for the young Frenchman. The team's VJM10 chassis was a solid midfield contender, and Ocon's arrival alongside the experienced Sergio Pérez set the stage for an intriguing intra-team battle. His Mercedes junior status also brought a degree of technical oversight and expectation, positioning him as a driver with significant potential.

The partnership's character

The defining characteristic of Ocon's time at Force India was his relentless consistency and his intense rivalry with teammate Sergio Pérez. Ocon finished 2017 having scored points in 18 of 20 races, a remarkable feat for a debut full season driver. This consistency showcased his ability to adapt quickly and maintain performance under pressure. The competitive tension with Pérez, however, occasionally boiled over, most notably with on-track collisions at Baku and Spa in 2017. These incidents, while controversial, underscored Ocon's uncompromising racecraft and his determination to assert himself against an established F1 driver. Much like George Russell at Mercedes later proved his mettle against a multiple world champion, Ocon's performances against Pérez were a clear indicator of his potential.

Key chapter in the seasons

The 2017 season saw Ocon finish 8th in the Drivers' Championship, a testament to both his skill and the team's strong package. He consistently challenged Pérez, often outqualifying him in the latter half of the year. The 2018 season brought significant off-track challenges for the team, as Force India entered administration mid-year before being acquired by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, subsequently rebranding as Racing Point F1 Team. This period of uncertainty, while the team continued to perform admirably, ultimately sealed Ocon's fate. With Lance Stroll's expected arrival, Ocon, despite his strong performances, found himself without a seat for 2019. This situation highlighted the harsh realities of F1, where talent alone isn't always enough to secure a drive, a sentiment perhaps understood by Lance Stroll at Aston Martin in a different context of team ownership.

The legacy

Esteban Ocon's two years with Force India/Racing Point firmly established him as a proven Formula 1 talent. His ability to consistently extract performance, score points, and engage in fierce on-track battles demonstrated his readiness for a top-tier drive. This period was crucial in shaping his reputation as a robust and reliable competitor, paving the way for his eventual return to the grid with Renault (Alpine).