Force India: Wehrlein has a bright future

Despite being overlooked for a Force India race-seat, deputy team principal Bob Fernley reckons Pascal Wehrlein has a "tremendous future" in Formula 1.

Having lost Nico Hulkenberg to Renault, Force India were on the hunt for a new driver to partner Sergio Perez in 2017.

Wehrlein made the short list but in the end the Silverstone-based squad opted to go with his Manor team-mate, Esteban Ocon.

And although the German now faces a second season with Manor at the back of the grid, Fernley believes he has a bright future ahead.

"With Pascal, I think he was extremely courteous and very gracious," he told Motorsport.com.

"If you read the articles where he has talked about things, he is looking for guidance for himself rather than being critical of anything we have done.

"I think he's a talented driver and the fact that we have chosen one over the other is only our preference. It doesn't mean that Pascal doesn't have a tremendous future going forward."

As for Ocon, who previously tested for Force India, the deputy team boss is confident he was the right choice for the team.

"I don't think we need any convincing," he said. "I think when we bring him in and bring him through, I think he is going to be a talent and we are looking forward to having him on board."