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Ocon confident of return to F1 in 2020

11:45, 27 Sep 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Esteban Ocon looks set to miss out on a seat for the 2019 season in Formula One but the Frenchman says he is confident that he can land on his feet and make a return to the sport in the future. Ocon is expected to be replaced at Racing Point Force India by Lance Stroll.

Speaking ahead of the Russian Grand Prix weekend, Ocon admitted that his immediate future in F1 wasn't looking promising, with just one team seemingly a realistic destination but even then it isn't a straightforward situation.

“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 also commented on his snub by Renault who had looked like the prime candidates to secure the Frenchman's signature for 2019 but surprised everyone by signing Daniel Ricciardo instead.

“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.

“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.

“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.”