First, it had to be established that he was not needed by Mercedes to replace Valtteri Bottas.

Ocon really is that good. His exit from what was Force India at the end of 2018 was much more to do with the team’s finances than anything else and having to sit a year on the sidelines as a Mercedes reserve driver must have been frustrating.

Turning 24 in 2020, he has time on his side, but opportunities to join Formula 1® teams do not come up all the time. He deserves this one. Ocon has hardly put a foot wrong in his Grand Prix career, and his presence in the Renault team will assist, and push, teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

Three Frenchman will be on the grid in 2020 and, despite sitting out 2019, Ocon might just be the pick of them.