Toto Wolff opens up on Esteban Ocon's future at the team
F1 News
Toto Wolff has said that Esteban Ocon's future at the team is not set in stone and that it is possible that he will never driver for Mercedes. At the end of last season many believed that if Valtteri Bottas did not improve then Ocon would be given his seat, but the Finn has been superb this year, meaning that a very talented French racer is watching from the sides.
Having had Formula 1 experience with Force India, it is a shame to see such a talented driver not racing in the sport. As Mercedes reserve driver there are opportunities for him to get behind the car but not in the race capacity which he would desire.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that he may need to look elsewhere if he is looking for a Formula 1 drive and has revealed that the team would be happy for him to explore his options with other teams.
"There is this perception that he is a Mercedes driver," Wolff was quoted by Motorsport.com. "So maybe we need to set the record straight and enable him to pursue his career in a way that respects the investment and the support that Mercedes has given him, and he respects that very much, but equally doesn't close doors for him,"
"I think if he drives for another team he is released anyway. He is then not a Mercedes driver anymore because if you drive for another team you are signing a contract that you will deliver to the best of your abilities for the other team."
If Mercedes do not keep him on for next season then there are a number of options for Ocon. Most Formula 1 teams would love to have a driver of his ability so be sure to see him in a race seat in the not so distant future.