Ocon replaces Hülkenberg at Force India

21-year-old French driver Esteban Ocon became Sergio Pérez's new teammate at Force India this season. Ocon took the place of Nico Hülkenberg after making his debut in the last eight races of the 2016 season with Manor Racing, including the Mexican Grand Prix where he finished in second-to-last position.

Ocon has been one of the revelations of the season, scoring points in all the Grand Prix except for Monaco, where he finished in 12th place. Currently, he is in 8th position in the drivers' championship, behind his teammate Pérez.

"We have been strong in the last three races, so we hope to have the same pace in the car in Mexico and score good points again," he said after participating in a friendly soccer match.

The Frenchman, who has had a tense relationship with Pérez, does not expect a bad reception from the fans at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez: "I hope to receive a warm welcome as well, it is a sport, we race hard, but I hope the fans support Force India."

Ocon supported Pérez's words regarding leaving internal problems behind and now only fighting to secure fourth place in the constructors' championship for their team. "I agree, we work together for the benefit of the team, we have done a great job so far and there is great respect between us."

However, he dismissed the idea that, due to Sergio having more time in Formula One and in the team, he should be placed ahead of him, and affirmed that he wants to surpass him. "It's normal, I'm not here to be behind him, but to push him as hard as I can, we race hard on the track, but with respect."

Regarding team orders that prevent overtaking if the race is at risk and could end as soon as Force India secures enough points to be fourth in the season, he simply explained: "I don't know anything about that, the bosses decide, not me, so we will see."