Source: Williams Media Library

F1 News

Ocon in talks with Williams as F1 future hangs in the balance

Ocon in talks with Williams as F1 future hangs in the balance

14-09-2018 12:45
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Jake Williams-Smith

Esteban Ocon has admitted that the chances of him driving in Formula One in 2019 are very slim, the Frenchman looks to be out at Force India with Lance Stroll replacing him after Lawrence Stroll's investment in the team.

Speaking to media ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Ocon admitted that his hopes for a future in F1 depended on last minute negotiations going on behind the scenes, most likely with Williams.

"It's hard to believe that a month ago everything was fine for me and now I'm in this situation," he said.

"Negotiations are underway, possibly with Williams as well, but so far nothing is clear."

Ocon has impressed many since his debut in F1 last season, the Mercedes junior though is struggling to secure his future in the sport after other teams reportedly turned their back on Ocon due to his links with Mercedes.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff hit out at other teams up and down the pitlane for going back on agreements made that would have seen Ocon in F1 in 2019.

Williams' seats remain open for next season with Sergey Sirotkin looking one likely candidate as well as fellow Russian and F2 driver Artem Markelov, who himself could bring investment to the team who are set to lose their main Martini sponsorship after the conclusion of this season.