Ocon up for the challenge: "Alonso seems like he is 20-years-old"

Esteban Ocon, who will try his luck at Alpine next year alongside racing legend Fernando Alonso, paid tribute to his team-mate and said he was looking forward to competing against the much more experienced Spaniard.

Ocon argues that the experience and many testing opportunities will ensure that Alonso, despite his relatively long absence, will get up to speed quickly at Alpine. He explains, quoted by the Italian Gazzetta Motori: "He will be ready immediately, he has done many tests that will help him and then his experience will count a lot, even if he has been out of F1 for two seasons." Nevertheless, Ocon assures that he will do his best to beat his teammate: "He seems to be 20 years old: I'll try to beat him, even if we will work for the good of the team.”

Ocon also states that he feels extra special to be able to fight for the points next year alongside one of his childhood heroes. “I respect Fernando very much, it is also thanks to him that I am passionate about this sport. As a child, I followed his challenges with Schumacher, even though I cheered for Michael”, the Frenchman jokes.

Alonso is not the only legendary name who will be back on the grid from 2021; Mick Schumacher will also make his first serious metres in a Formula One car in the next season. In regards to this, Ocon, a fan of Michael Schumacher, says: “It's really incredible to think that I will challenge Michael's son, really crazy."