Mercedes Ocon ties remain but no option to poach from Alpine

Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has confirmed Esteban Ocon will continue to be managed by Mercedes but the manufacturer has no option to wrestle the Frenchman out of his new contract.

Ahead of the French Grand Prix, Alpine revealed Ocon had signed a new three-year deal, confirming his position with the team until the end of the 2024 season.

Like George Russell, however, the Frenchman's career has been overseen by Mercedes who could potentially step in to lure him away if an opportunity arose.

Clarified the situation, though, Rossi said: "He is a Mercedes-managed driver so that is about it. He is constantly under their management.

"But there is no such clause as Mercedes putting him out of the team. No, he stays with us for the next three years."

Ocon more than a driver for Alpine

Although drivers are judged by their on-track performances, their value to a team expands beyond this, with Rossi believing Ocon is crucial to Alpine in this area.

"Beyond the F1 driver, he is a great guy," added Rossi. "He is humble, very generous with his time, constantly giving his time even to us in the larger Alpine construct.

"He always offers to chime into the development of the new cars or the brand, so it is really good to have him around. That is also why we signed him for three years."

Rossi concluded: "He is damn fast too. Give him any car and he is fast. He shows it every quali so that makes him a very good driver first off."

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