Esteban Ocon reflects on challenging year as F1 reserve driver in 2019
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 1:33 PM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Esteban Ocon discussed his difficult experience during the 2019 F1 season as a reserve driver for Mercedes. After showing promise with strong performances in 2018, Ocon found himself sidelined due to contract complexities involving Renault and McLaren. He expressed his frustration over limited testing opportunities and the emotional toll it took on him, specifically recounting a moment of distress in a rental car after questioning Mercedes' plans for him. This challenging year ultimately shaped his future career path, leading to a later signing with Renault and his first grand prix victory in 2020.
- •Ocon spent the 2019 season as Mercedes' reserve driver.
- •He was sidelined following contract negotiations involving Renault and McLaren.
- •Ocon expressed frustration over limited testing and development opportunities.
- •He described an emotional moment after feeling unprepared for future races.
- •His experience contributed to his eventual signing with Renault in 2020.
- 1:33 PMYahoo Sports — “I went back to the car and cried” – Esteban Ocon opens up about his unexpected year on F1 sidelines
- 1:33 PMMotorsport.com — “I went back to the car and cried” – Esteban Ocon opens up about his unexpected year on F1 sidelines
"Esteban Ocon has opened up about the 2019 Formula 1 season, which he spent as a Mercedes reserve driver following an unfavourable chain of events. Back in July 2018, Ocon was riding a wave of momentum. In his second full F1 campaign, the Mercedes protege was narrowly leading seasoned Force India team-mate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ standings, and had just outqualified him seven times in a ...Keep reading
"Eight years ago, Esteban Ocon found out he was going to spend the 2019 F1 campaign on the sidelines – one of the toughest moments in his career
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 1:33 PM“I went back to the car and cried” – Esteban Ocon opens up about his unexpected year on F1 sidelines
Eight years ago, Esteban Ocon found out he was going to spend the 2019 F1 campaign on the sidelines – one of the toughest moments in his career
- Motorsport.comAug 2, 2026, 1:33 PM“I went back to the car and cried” – Esteban Ocon opens up about his unexpected year on F1 sidelines
Esteban Ocon has opened up about the 2019 Formula 1 season, which he spent as a Mercedes reserve driver following an unfavourable chain of events. Back in July 2018, Ocon was riding a wave of momentum. In his second full F1 campaign, the Mercedes protege was narrowly leading seasoned Force India team-mate Sergio Perez in the drivers’ standings, and had just outqualified him seven times in a ...Keep reading
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