Renault: Ocon situation not our problem

Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul has hit back at Toto Wolff and Mercedes over the Esteban Ocon situation. Ocon had been linked heavily with Renault before the French team decided to sign Daniel Ricciardo, leaving Ocon with very limited options as he still looks for a 2019 seat.

Speaking ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Abiteboul was in a feisty mood and dismissed Wolff's insinuations that it was Renault's fault that Ocon currently doesn't have a seat in F1 for 2019.

"I don't want to respond to Toto's words so the story continues endlessly," Abiteboul is quoted by F1i.

"Perhaps it was the first time Toto had a problem in Formula 1.

"I have never denied that we have a great interest in Esteban and in the future as well. But I believe Renault is only a small factor in Esteban's current situation.

"Don't forget about Mercedes and its own decision about its drivers. Don't forget about the situation with Force India and the role Mercedes plays in that.

"I don't want to go into the details of our personal discussions but I can say that the contract was obviously not signed, otherwise Toto would have demanded that we honour it."

Renault completed their 2019 line-up with the signing of Ricciardo and the Australian will drive for the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Ocon however is still without a confirmed seat for 2019 and it is increasingly likely that the Frenchman will have to take a year out of F1 before a seat opens up for him.