Ocon: "Conversations with Abiteboul helped me through difficult moments"

Esteban Ocon didn't always have an easy time in 2020 when he returned to Formula 1 after a year's absence. His teammate Daniel Ricciardo had better results. Ocon says what helped him relax.

An important factor in this was the knowledge that he will also have a contract with Renault in 2021. "It's important to have certainty about the future," says Ocon to Motorsport.com. "It makes you mentally more stable, and you know you can build something with the team you're driving for."

Even though Fernando Alonso is going to make his return this year and become his new teammate, Ocon says he doesn't feel much pressure from the team.

"I haven't felt any pressure to get a good result or drive a great race. Before every race, I had a conversation with Cyril Abiteboul, and he was always very positive and supportive. He gave me good advice, which made me feel relaxed and confident," Ocon said.