Ocon explains Mercedes F1 duties for 2019

Esteban Ocon has confirmed he will split his time between Mercedes’ simulator and supporting the team at the race track through the 2019 Formula 1 season.

Ocon has been appointed Mercedes’ reserve and test driver for the upcoming season after losing his Force India seat at the end of last year to Lance Stroll, falling victim to one of the most surprising driver markets in years.

Mercedes has described Ocon’s 2019 as being a “gap year” before he returns to racing full-time next year, but the Frenchman has explained how he will still be kept busy in his new role supporting Mercedes race drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

“This year for me is going to be very very busy,” Ocon told Sky Sports News.

“I will be of course at every race, following the work from Valtteri and Lewis, and trying to learn as much from them as well.

“But in the European races, I will also be doing all the setup work for the team from the simulator, from Brackley, and then flying on Friday night to be at the track on Saturday.”

Ocon will work in tandem with ex-McLaren F1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who will also undertake simulator commitments for Mercedes through 2019 while racing in Formula E for the affiliated HWA team.