Wolff: Russell's position not as tricky as Ocon's

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes that F2 leader George Russell is not in as tricky of a situation as Force India driver Esteban Ocon is, with both drivers looking to achieve a Formula One seat for the 2019 season.

Russell is currently enjoying a fantastic season in Formula Two, with the Mercedes junior leading the standings by 22 points with just two races left on the calendar.

The F2 leader is desperate to become the latest graduate out of Mercedes' junior programme and take a seat on the F1 grid for next season.

Ocon's situation at Force India is essentially over with Lance Stroll's signing expected to be announced at any time and leaving the French driver without a seat for next season.

Williams could be a possible venture for either driver - however, Wolff does not believe that the two drivers will trip over each other when negotiating with other teams and believes that they are at two very different points in their respective careers.

"I think the two of them are at very different stages in their career," Wolff told Crash.net. "George (Russell) is still in the fight for the F2 championship and it's not done, and he clearly has the talent and would merit to go into Formula 1.

"He's not in as tricky position as Esteban. I don't think the two of them will stumble across themselves (and) come into each other's way."