Ocon in negotiations with Williams for 2019

Esteban Ocon has revealed that he is still hopeful of securing his Formula 1 future as he is currently negotiating with Williams for the 2019 season.

The talented Frenchman, still part of the Mercedes‘ programme, is going to be replaced by Lance Stroll after Lance’s father, Lawrence, completed his takeover of Force India.

Renault and McLaren both went back on their word to sign Ocon at the end of the current season, according to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, leaving Ocon with the very realistic prospect of being without a drive in Formula 1.

But, there is one last option to explore with Williams.

“I don’t know whether I can go to Williams,” Ocon told TF1.

“We are negotiating and we hope that everything will work out. Not having a contract for next season is not a catastrophe but you never know how things will develop in Formula 1.

“What I can promise is that next year I will do my best to be back in the championship in 2020.”

Ocon has bemoaned the predicament that he has found himself in and is frustrated by the fact results on the track seem to account for very little when it comes to negotiating new contracts.

“It’s a bit strange how it turned out, because I had options with two big teams and most drivers can only dream of that. But we will find a solution,” Ocon added.

“Even if I have to miss next season, I am sure that I will return to Formula 1 in 2020.

“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.”

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