Ocon started his Grand Prix with Lotus (Renault) in a first free practice session at 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 21 November 2014. 2015, Ocon was signed by Mercedes in its junior programme. At the start of 2016, Ocon was a reserve driver for the Renault Sport F1 team doing multiple first free practice sessions for the team.
Ocon made his Grand Prix debut in F1 in the middle of the 2016 F1 season with the former Manor team, after some impressive drives with the team, Ocon moved to Force India in 2017, resulted multiple top six finishes from the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Ocon lost his drive at Force India for 2019, after Billionaire Lawrence Stroll rescued the team from administration last year change the team name to racing Point and replaced him with Lance Stroll meaning returning to Mercedes as a test driver for 2019.
The move brings to an end to Nico Hülkenberg's time at Renault as Ocon replaces Hülkenberg in Renault's line-up for next season.
In my opinion, this was no big surprise this news happen, a French team in Renault signing a talented French driver in Ocon makes sense for Renault home market. Also, Ocon was almost signed with the team for this season until Daniel Ricciardo pipped him to the drive, which means he was still highly rated with the team.
So what's next for Hülkenberg? There is still four realistic drives left for the 2020 season, with one at Alfa Romeo, one at Racing Point, one at Hass and one at Red Bull (if they not confident with Gasly, Kvyat and Albon). Returning to Williams maybe an option, with George Russell more than likely to stay with the team next season meaning the second seat needs to be a strong pay driver and Hülkenberg is not that.
Hülkenberg best bet for a drive would be at Alfa Romeo, although Haas could be the best option. However, I do not see Hülkenberg being team-mates to Kevin Magnussen as there are bad tensions from a few seasons past. I can see Hülkenberg being team-mates to Kimi Räikkönen for 2020 at Alfa and staying there for 2021 too, also there is uncertainty on if Antonio Giovinazzi will be retain, it's too early for Mick Schumacher or Callum Ilott to be promoted to F1 from the Ferrari Driver Academy. Hülkenberg has previous experience with the team as Sauber, drove with them in 2013 and Hülkenberg has worked with Alfa Romeo team principal Frédéric Vasseur between 2007 till 2009 in the ART team winning Formula 3 and GP2 titles. Meaning Hülkenberg could be perfect option for the Alfa Romeo team on a short to mid-term for both parties.
Things are looking up for the Renault team in 2020.
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