Szafnauer: 'Ocon is every bit as good as Verstappen'

Force India COO Otmar Szafnauer reckons Esteban Ocon is on the same level as the prodigious Max Verstappen, and hails the Frenchman's rate of improvement.

Ocon concluded his first full season of F1 with a remarkable track record which included 18 top-ten finishes and 87 championship points, just 13 less than his experienced Force India team mate Sergio Perez.

The 21-year-old hasn't put a foot wrong since he launched his F1 career at Spa in 2016 with Manor, demonstrating speed and outstanding consistency which have led many pundits to put him on the same level as wonderkid Max Verstappen.

"It's hard to know because they are driving different cars," Szafnauer told Sky Sports.

"But Max has signed a big contract with Red Bull and we've probably got Ocon for a hundredth of the price.

• Ocon: 'I think I'm still faster than Verstappen'

"I think Esteban is every bit as good. The first time we ran Esteban in the car we knew he was something special," he added.

"He understands the car really well. He's got great car control and because of it he can get to the limit very quickly and then he describes what he feels.

"He also knows what he wants from the car, which is very mature for his age."

Szafnauer has been impressed by Ocon's steady upward trend.

"I think his biggest achievement is his continuous improvement," said the Force India executive.

"From where he started 2017 to where he is now, he's improved in many aspects and I think because of that he's scored in all-but two races and continues to push Checo.

"On any given Saturday we don't know who is going to out-qualify who."

As a Mercedes protégé Ocon is on loan to Force India but remains contracted to the German manufacturer.

Szafnauer believes there's a strong likelihood the young charger will join the Silver Arrows squad if he continues to perform. In the interim, he's Force India's hot property to enjoy.

"Sometimes leasing is better than buying," concedes the American.

"They might have him back and I think the better he does, the more likelihood of him stepping up to a Mercedes role at some point but for now he's with us.

"We'll see what the future holds but I think he will continue to improve."

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