Esteban Ocon looks likely to miss out on a drive in 2019. Ocon, who's in the Mercedes junior ranks, has been told by Toto Wolff that a gap year wouldn't be the end of the world. The young Frenchman is hoping to fill the Williams seat, but he thanks Mercedes for their ongoing support.
"The good news is that I continue to receive the great support from Mercedes. Despite these difficult times, they continue to support me and look for solutions for me," Ocon told motorsport-total.
"Toto is a great person. He really cares about you and you can not say that of every manager of a junior program. It is like a psychologist how he deals with people. He understands every person but also keeps looking at the bigger picture. That is mainly his great talent. The help from him is great and I am grateful for that. I will do everything I can to be even stronger and faster next year," concludes Ocon.