Russell always "kept faith" for F1 seat, but has sympathy for Ocon

New Williams driver George Russell has revealed that he always kept faith that he'd earn an F1 seat for 2019, and describes Esteban Ocon's situation as "unfortunate".

Williams confirmed that Russell would be driving for them next season recently, but it's not such good news for Ocon, who looks set to miss out on a seat in 2019.

Ocon's current seat at Force India, is almost certainly going to be vacated by Lance Stroll, whose father helped save the team from administration in the summer.

Russell, 20, is currently leading the Formula Two championship admitted that he always had faith that his own performances would be enough to earn him a drive in Formula One.

"I thought the whole Esteban situation wasn't a normal situation," Russell told Motorsport. "Usually if you perform those opportunities will be there. I think it was out of his and Mercedes' control what happened.

"Mercedes and Toto (Wolff, Mercedes' boss) were absolutely clear that if I performed the opportunity would come. That impressed in my mind.

"It might sound a bit silly saying that off the back of Esteban's predicament, but it is a very bizarre situation, a very unfortunate situation."

Russell will now be the third British driver on the grid next season, with Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and McLaren's new driver Lando Norris - who, like Russell, has been promoted from the junior ranks.