RUMOUR: Renault to loan Ocon in 2019?

German magazine Bild has reported that Mercedes might be loaning Esteban Ocon to Renault in 2019, as Force India currently is in a lot of financial trouble which has led Mercedes to make this decision.

Ocon is still under contract at Force India until the end of 2019, one of the teams that drive with Mercedes engines. Should the Indian team change owners, it could be that the partnership with Mercedes will come to an end. Because Ocon is still under contract at Mercedes, the Silver Arrows could opt to stall the youngster at Renault.

That could only happen, however, if a seat becomes available at the French team. That would happen if Carlos Sainz goes back to Red Bull if Daniel Ricciardo leaves the Bulls, as Sainz is only on loan at Renault from the Austrian outfit. Ricciardo could move to Ferrari if Kimi Raikkonen retires. Are you still following this carrousel? Good.

Ocon has a history at Renault, as he was their test driver in 2016 before going to Force India. The Frenchman finished that season with Manor for the last nine races.