Alpine Formula One team say they’re keen to put an end to Mercedes rumours and extend the contract of Esteban Ocon to keep their lineup consistent heading into 2022.
The former Mercedes junior driver has outscored his team-mate, the double world champion Fernando Alonso, this season, and out-qualified him 3-1 impressing at the Renault-owned team.
On his return from a year out on Mercedes reserve driver duties, he took his debut podium, a second place, with what was then the Renault team in Bahrain last season.
The Frenchman parted ways with Mercedes to take the seat at Renault last season, but has since been linked to a potential move to the seven-time champions.
But Alpine’s CEO Laurent Rossi said on Thursday that they were already in talks with Ocon’s management team ahead of the new season, and were keen to keep him at the Enstone-based team.
JUST IN:
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes director agree on Monaco concerns
“But,” he added, “until then our full support goes to Valtteri and Lewis.
“We will evaluate in the middle of the year whether there will be a change in 2022. It is surely too early now to talk about scenarios for 2022.”
However Hamilton has recently admitted he would like to start contract negotiations soon, and has set the deadline of the August F1 summer break, with Wolff adding they’re hoping to sign the seven-time champion up for a multi-year deal.
