Ocon: Missing out on 2019 would be "mega disappointment"

It seems inconceivable that a driver with the obvious talent of Esteban Ocon could miss out on a seat for next year, but that is looking a real possibility now with driver line-ups for 2019 being completed up and down the grid.

Ocon has spent two successful years with Force India, where he has consistently challenged and beaten his more experienced team mate Sergio Perez.

However, with Force India being bought out of administration by Lawrence Stroll, his son Lance is set to be Ocon’s replacement at the team next year.

McLaren was looking likely to be Ocon’s most likely destination, but the team has announced that Lando Norris will partner Carlos Sainz next year.

There is still an opportunity for the Frenchman to replace fellow countryman Romain Grosjean at Haas, although that one seems unlikely.

This leaves Ocon without many options, with only the bottom three teams in the constructors’ standings with space, Williams, Sauber and Toro Rosso.

Ocon said: "It would be a mega disappointment if I was out for a year, which is a big blow if you lose a year and I do not want to experience that.”

However, there would be hope for him to return to the sport soon, due to the Mercedes backing that he has.

He added: "It would not be the end of the world because I have the confidence of Mercedes and Toto (Wolff) and they would find a place for me."