Ocon sympathises: "Formula 1 can be cruel sometimes"

Sergio Perez's exit from Racing Point proved that a contract does not always equate to an actual spot on the grid, and now it is the very same for Perez who seems to be threatening George Russell's contract with Williams.

Same boat

Esteban Ocon, like George Russell from the Mercedes training programme, was in the same boat as Russell two years ago. The Frenchman couldn't find a team and spent a year as a reserve driver at Mercedes. Those were difficult times for Ocon and he hopes that Russell can be spared this. "I'm not really aware of what is happening, but I really hope that George can stay in Formula 1", Ocon said to Autosport.com.

According to Ocon, his performance in the Williams won't be the reason. "Performance-wise, he's doing an excellent job. There's nothing to say bad about him.” Russell would certainly deserve to keep his place at Williams. "It would be not justified for him to not be on the grid next year. But that's how Formula 1 is, it can be cruel sometimes. I've paid the price at the end of 2018, and for 2019. I hope this won't be the case for him.”

Rumours

Russell stressed last week that he had "no worries" about his future at Williams, given that he has a contract, and that the stories were "fed by the Perez camp" to help try and secure a seat for the Mexican. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, in any case, said that he could do nothing for the British driver and that the choice was entirely up to Williams.