Ocon bullish on title ambitions: I could compete with Verstappen
Esteban Ocon believes he would be able to beat Max Verstappen in a championship showdown if Alpine can become a race-winning team.
The Frenchman progressed through the junior championships alongside Verstappen and beat the Dutchman to the 2014 European Formula 3 Championship.
Their on-track duels have been rare since: Verstappen's Red Bull career has yielded two World Championships and 35 Grands Prix wins, whilst Ocon only took his maiden F1 win at last season's Hungarian GP.
In an interview with Dutch publication NOS , Ocon was asked about his current relationship with Verstappen, with the pair having come to blows after the 2019 Brazilian GP following a collision between the two.
"We get along fine now and have a lot of respect for each other. I wish him all the best," Ocon responded.
"He is simply a super talent now. Max is always and everywhere competitive and has been for years.
"I've known it since I was a kid. Ever since karting h...