P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Esteban Ocon has been caught by surprise at how early the 2024 silly season has started, following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for 2025.
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon remains focused on his future with the team, despite being linked to Mercedes as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton. Ocon, along with his teammate Pierre Gasly, is currently without a contract for next year. The “silly season” in Formula One has started earlier than usual due to Hamilton’s announcement that he will be moving to Ferrari next year. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff not only needs to find a suitable replacement for Hamilton but also secure Ocon a place on the grid for next season, as he is still managed by Mercedes. Ocon is keeping his focus on racing and the plan with Alpine, and believes that the early announcement of Hamilton’s move is just the start of an eventful season.
