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Esteban Ocon will not be a part of Williams Racing in the 2025 season, as indicated by team principal James Vowles. He was earlier reported to make a mid-season move to the 9-time F1 constructor's championship winners.
Vowles was in conversation with Ocon at Silverstone, and it was reported that Williams was urging him to switch teams mid-season. The Frenchman's contract with Alpine will not be extended past this season, and many teams have been mentioned as his potential future destination.
Williams are in dire need of a competitive driver. They have scored four points so far this season, all courtesy of Alex Albon. Logan Sargeant, who made his F1 debut with the team in the 2023 season, has yet to score a point this season, further compounding Williams' woes.
Esteban Ocon's performances impressed the team, but team principal James Vowles clarified that their discussions weren't about a mid-season switch, but rather a potential move for the 2025 F1 season. Here's what he told Autosport:
"Esteban came in for, not a real seat fit, but I wanted to evaluate him for 2025 and 2026," Vowles said.
Vowles went on to say that although Ocon was being considered for the position, their paths "will not cross" at this time.
"He's been mighty quick. You don't outqualify Fernando [Alonso] unless you are mighty. If you create the right environment around him, he can be very strong. So that's why he was a consideration," he explained.
"I think where he is at the moment our paths won't cross and I think it's a shame because there's certain bits that I can see would work," he added.
This leaves a vacant spot at Williams for the 2025 F1 season because a contract extension for Logan Sargeant seems unlikely. Ocon, on the other hand, could find himself at Haas, a team that has been performing well this season.
Haas seemingly Esteban Ocon's last resort for 2025 as Williams' window closes
Haas, the American outfit, announced earlier this week that they will not be extending Kevin Magnussen's contract for the 2025 F1 season. With Nico Hulkenberg also departing for Sauber, Haas now has a vacant seat to fill.
As such, Esteban Ocon could clinch the seat, partnering with current F2 driver Oliver Bearman. The latter was signed by the team for the 2025 season, earlier this month. With 27 points so far this season compared to Alpine's nine, Haas has also shown some positive developments.
