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

Esteban Ocon's tenure with Force India, and briefly Racing Point, from 2017 to 2018, was a pivotal chapter that showcased his raw talent and consistent performance in the demanding world of Formula 1. Arriving as a Mercedes junior, Ocon quickly proved his mettle, extracting remarkable results from a car that consistently punched above its weight.

How it began

Having made his F1 debut with Manor Marussia in late 2016, Esteban Ocon joined Force India for the 2017 season, partnering the seasoned Sergio Pérez. This move placed him in a competitive midfield outfit known for its efficiency and ability to maximize its resources. Ocon, still relatively unknown to many F1 fans at the time, was tasked with not only delivering points but also going head-to-head with a driver who had already secured multiple podiums. The pressure was immediate, but Ocon's consistent performances from the outset quickly silenced any doubts about his readiness for the top tier of motorsport, as documented by the Formula 1 — official site.

The partnership's character

The 2017 season saw Ocon finish in the points in 18 of the 20 races, a testament to his consistency and the VJM10's robust performance. He amassed 87 points, securing an impressive 8th place in the Drivers' Championship in his first full season. This remarkable run, without a single retirement due to mechanical failure, highlighted his reliability and skill. The dynamic with Pérez, however, was often intense, marked by several on-track clashes, most notably at Baku and Spa, which underscored Ocon's fierce competitive spirit. While these incidents sometimes cost the team valuable points, they also demonstrated Ocon's refusal to yield, a trait admired by many. His ability to match and often outperform Pérez, a driver with a strong reputation, made Ocon one of the most watched young talents of that era, similar to how George Russell at Mercedes later emerged as a strong contender against a multi-champion teammate.

Key chapter in the seasons

The 2018 season presented a different challenge. Force India faced significant financial difficulties, leading to the team entering administration mid-season. Despite the turmoil, Ocon continued to deliver, securing points finishes in 12 of the 21 races. His consistent form, particularly in the early part of the season, saw him extract the maximum from the VJM11. Following the team's acquisition by a consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, the outfit was rebranded as Racing Point Force India from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards. This period of uncertainty, coupled with the arrival of Lance Stroll for 2019, ultimately led to Ocon's departure from a full-time race seat for the following year. He ended his 2018 campaign with 49 points and a 12th-place finish in the championship, bringing his total for the stint to 136 points from 41 races, with 0 wins and 0 podiums, according to .