Formula 1: 5 active drivers who could replace Lewis Hamilton
By Asher Fair
Active Lewis Hamilton replacements: No. 2 – Esteban Ocon
Esteban Ocon is an intriguing prospect to replace Lewis Hamilton if Hamilton doesn’t end up returning for the 2022 season. Ocon was formerly a member of the Mercedes Junior Team, and he spent the first two and half years of his career driving for Mercedes-powered teams.
He competed for Manor Racing MRT in nine races in the 2016 season before becoming a full-time driver for Sahara Force India in 2017, where he stayed through the end of the 2018 season when they became known as Racing Point Force India.
During the 2019 season, when Ocon did not have a ride, there were rumors that he would replace Valtteri Bottas ahead of the 2020 season, but Bottas re-signed. Ocon, who is still managed by Mercedes, ended up signing with Renault, causing him to relinquish most of his Mercedes ties.
During the 2021 season, Ocon signed a new deal with the team, now known as Alpine, that runs through the 2024 season, and there are reportedly no opt-out clauses that would allow Mercedes to sign him before then.
But he does still have some ties with the Silver Arrows, and given the fact that Alpine could easily turn to reigning Formula 2 champion and Alpine Academy driver Oscar Piastri, who is inexplicably without a ride as things stand, to fill his seat for 2022, it’s not too far-fetched to think that something could be worked out.