Ocon confirms discussions for 2019 drive

Force India driver, Esteban Ocon, has confirmed that he is negotiating with Williams for a drive in 2019 with both their links with Mercedes a common ground for the deal to take place.

A Williams drive is the last hope for Ocon to save his F1 career, but he believed that even if it does not work out, 2020 would mark his comeback. “Even if I have to miss next season, I am sure that I will return to F1 in 2020,” he told French outlet, TF1.

Ocon was visibly disappointed with the way his chances with two teams went up in thin air, something which angered Toto Wolff no end. “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,” he said.

“But we will find a solution.”

Of the links to the seemingly vacant Williams seat for next year, Ocon admitted that he was unsure of what will transpire and if the deal would work out well for him in the end after Stroll makes his Force India switch official.

“I don’t know whether I can go to Williams. We are negotiating and we hope that everything will work out,” said Ocon. “Not having a contract for next season is not a catastrophe but you never know how things will develop in F1.

“What I can promise is that next year I will do my best to be back in the championship in 2020.”

The Frenchman admitted that Ricciardo’s deal with Renault baffled him because the team had an offer on the table for him. “I was surprised when Renault signed a contract with Daniel Ricciardo,” he said.

“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.”