Ocon is clear: "Very keen" on driving with Williams in 2019

Departing Force India driver Esteban Ocon has stated that he would be very keen to join Williams for next season, as the team is now the Frenchman’s only hope of staying in F1 next year.

It would definitely be quite a step down for Ocon, who is currently one of the best drivers in midfield and also hailed as one of the best young drivers on the grid.

Williams have only scored seven points in 18 races so far this season, putting them dead-last in the constructors’ championship. Still, one of the drivers of the Grove-based team, Lance Stroll, will take Ocon’s seat next season after the Canadian’s father took over Ocon’s current employer, leaving Ocon without work for next season.

This is why he’d be up for it to partner George Russell at Williams in 2019, as it’s the only seat he can still realistically take.

“I’m definitely very keen,” the 22-year-old told Motorsport.com about the prospect of being a Williams driver.

“I don’t think it’s a team that’s going down.

“Obviously the results they are doing this year are not great, but Williams has been world champion in the past, they’ve been fighting hard with us last year.

“I think it’s a very competent team, and every team has its ups and downs. I’m sure they will come back higher in the future.”