Ocon will do his "talking on the track" amid Mercedes rumours

Esteban Ocon says that he is concentrated on performing for Force India, despite persistent rumours linking the Frenchman to Mercedes.

Valtteri Bottas only has one year left on his Mercedes contract, and if the Finn does not perform in 2018 it is expected he will be dropped.

Ocon seems to be in pole position to replace Bottas, but he is not thinking too much about the move now: “I’m a Mercedes driver, so I’m part of the programme and part of the development since the end of 2015.

“Of course it would be the logical way, but I’m totally dedicated to Force India at the moment.

“If you do the talking on the track, there will always be plenty of opportunities.

Ocon started his career with Manor, racing in the second half of 2016, before moving to Force India in 2017.

Ocon impressed last season, finishing eighth in the drivers’ standings with 87 points.

“I’m not thinking about (a Mercedes drive) at the moment. I’m just focussing with Force India and the job I have to do us the most important thing.”