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Ocon eyes up last gasp move to Williams

Ocon eyes up last gasp move to Williams

26-09-2018 08:12

Esteban Ocon admits he is negotiating a deal with Williams for the 2019 season. The current Force India driver looks likely to lose his seat to Lance Stroll, the son of the team owner. Options at McLaren and Renault have been closed so a last-ditch attempt to race in the Williams cockpit could be all the Frenchman can muster.

"It's a bit strange how it turned out because I had options with two big teams and most drivers could only dream of that. But we will find a solution," Ocon told TF1.

"Even if I have to miss next season, I am sure that I will return to Formula One in 2020."

Marcus Ericsson announced yesterday that he won't get a permanent seat next season. He misses out as Kimi Raikkonen fills his seat alongside Antonio Giovinazzi.

Ocon, 22, admits he feels frustrated about the outcome of proceedings which were all shaken up by a certain Australian.

"I was surprised when Renault signed a contract with Daniel Ricciardo. Renault has explained that it was because I was in the Mercedes programme, but I do not agree with Cyril Abiteboul," Ocon continued.

"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.

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