Ocon Worthy of Respect with Classy Gesture

Earlier today, Esteban Ocon posted on his Instagram story a photo of himself and Lance Stroll. He referred to Lance as ‘Frérot’ or informal ‘Bro’ in French. With the Mercedes juggernaut behind him, Ocon’s name won’t move far from the paddock.

Equally, Stroll is probably copping some serious flack in social media land and needs all the help he can get.

The Racing Point Force India driver has admitted that Williams is his last shot at a Formula 1 ride for 2019.

Ocon is losing his Force India seat to Lance Stroll, and options to switch to Renault or McLaren both vanished recently as those two teams have since announced their 2019 lineups.

“It’s a bit strange how it turned out, because I had options with two big teams, and most drivers can only dream of that. But we will find a solution,” Ocon, 22, told the French broadcaster TF1. “Even if I have to miss next season, I am sure that I will return to Formula 1 in 2020.”

“I was surprised when Renault signed a contract with Daniel Ricciardo. Renault has explained that it was because I was in the Mercedes program, but I do not agree with (Renault team principal) Cyril Abiteboul. Yes, I’m a Mercedes driver, but if I was in a Renault that wouldn’t matter. I’m a little upset that as a sportsman, it’s not only your sporting achievements that matter.”

Like Renault, Red Bull has ruled out Ocon for Toro Rosso. This was on the basis of his Mercedes links. Meanwhile, Haas F1 Team is expected to retain Kevin Magnussen and Roman Grosjean for 2019.

That just leaves Williams as the last resort. However, a better-funded driver stands a higher chance of selection. However, Mercedes usually powers Williams and Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff has strong links in the team.

“I don’t know whether I can go to Williams,” Ocon said. “We are negotiating and we hope that everything will work out.

“Not having a contract for next season is not a catastrophe, but you never know how things will develop in Formula 1. What I can promise is that next year I will do my best to be back in the championship in 2020.”