Esteban Ocon — 2018 season

Esteban Ocon's 2018 Formula 1 season, his second full year in the sport, was a demonstration of consistent performance and adaptability, navigating Force India's mid-season financial instability while delivering a series of strong points finishes.

Going in

Coming off a strong 2017 campaign where he finished eighth in the Drivers' Championship, Ocon entered 2018 with expectations to further solidify his position as a capable midfield contender. Force India, known for its efficiency and ability to punch above its weight, aimed to continue its strong form in the competitive turbo-hybrid era. The VJM11 chassis, powered by Mercedes, showed flashes of potential, particularly on circuits that rewarded a balanced package. Ocon's objective was clear: maintain consistency and capitalize on every opportunity for points, a trait evident in drivers like Lewis Hamilton — 2021 season even in challenging machinery.

How it played out

The season began with a challenging Australian Grand Prix, where Ocon finished 12th, just outside the points. He quickly found his rhythm, securing his first point at the Bahrain Grand Prix with a 10th place finish. The early part of the season saw a mix of strong performances and unfortunate incidents. A notable highlight was a well-executed Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished 6th, showcasing his skill on street circuits. However, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix resulted in a collision with teammate Sergio Pérez, leading to a DNF. This incident, while costly, was an early indicator of the intense intra-team competition. The team's financial difficulties became a significant backdrop, culminating in administration during the summer break, though Ocon continued to race under the Force India banner for all 21 rounds, as per official Formula 1 — official site records. Despite the off-track distractions, Ocon continued to deliver, securing a further 6th place finish in Austria and a 7th in Britain before the summer break.

Defining moments

The second half of the season saw Ocon maintain his form, often extracting the maximum from the Force India car. His qualifying performance at the Belgian Grand Prix was particularly impressive, starting 3rd on the grid, ultimately converting it into a 6th place finish. This was followed by another 6th place at the Italian Grand Prix, demonstrating the car's potential on high-speed tracks. However, the Singapore Grand Prix brought another collision with his teammate, resulting in a DNF. These incidents, while impacting his points tally, also highlighted his aggressive racecraft. The season's closing races were marred by technical issues, with DNFs in the United States (fuel) and Abu Dhabi (engine), preventing him from adding to his score. His resilience in the face of adversity is a quality often seen in top drivers, akin to how navigated a difficult period.