Gratitude to Wolff: 'Without him I wouldn't be here in F1'

Esteban Ocon has the feeling that he is growing in Formula 1. The Alpine driver is learning a lot from the experience he is gaining and also has the luxury of having Fernando Alonso as a teammate. However, one person is even more important to him in his career, he told Speedweek.com.

The Frenchman says he owes a lot to Toto Wolff. The current Mercedes team boss expressed confidence in his qualities early in his career and that has helped him further, Ocon told the Medium in the interview.

"He has helped me since 2015. Because of him and Mercedes I have been able to take the next steps," the driver explained. "Without him I wouldn't be here in Formula 1. We still have a very good relationship. I am grateful to him."

In the coming years, Alpine hopes to make rapid strides and even compete among the top teams. Although Ocon realises it will be quite a challenge, he has faith that in Formula 1 a lot is possible. "That's what we believe in and what we work for."