Ex-Force India driver Esteban Ocon has backed his old team, rebranded as Racing Point for 2019, to progress further this year.
Ocon enjoyed a fine 2017 with Force India as he helped them finish fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, but the team’s financial problems last year led to administration and an eventual buyout by a consortium overseen by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who have since changed the name to Racing Point.
Lawrence’s son Lance Stroll has been installed as Ocon’s replacement for the upcoming season while Ocon has joined Mercedes as a reserve driver, but he is still keeping a close eye on his old team and believes they can make an impact this year.
He told Autosport: “It is a massive gap to fill but they will make a step forward, that’s for sure. Resources have always been the issue and there will be less of this issue next year. I believe they will be strong contenders.”
Ocon believes everyone at Racing Point will be working together to try and push for points and he had nothing but praise for the way the team go about their business.
He added: “I was very impressed, as I was last year, by the professionalism of this team and the motivation they have for results. That’s probably the biggest thing. They are hungry. That makes the difference.”
