Mercedes wants to ensure a future for Ocon

The future ofEsteban Ocon raises many questions when Force India is tipped to be bought by Lawrence Stroll to place his son Lance there. Mercedes would consider placing his protégé with Renault taking advantage of a possible departure from Carlos Sainz Jr.

If negotiations remain ongoing and depend on the movements of several drivers, Mercedes management seems in any case ready to let the 2015 GP3 Series champion evolve in another structure.

“We welcomed Esteban when Gravity closed. He was actually initially associated with Renault, recalled the executive director of Mercedes Motorsport Toto wolff at a press conference on the Hungaroring. We were launching our young driver program at the same time and it was natural for us to offer a chance to Pascal (Wehrlein) and Esteban. Today, we are trying to find a solution for them to ensure a long-term future, to perhaps allow them to one day become champions... If there is an opportunity in another team or with another manufacturer , we wouldn't want to stop Esteban from going. »

Options are limited for Mercedes, now that the star manufacturer has extended contracts Lewis Hamilton et Valtteri Bottas. At the same time, Force India is experiencing serious financial difficulties and is also seeing its room for maneuver shrink.

« We can do what we want, assured Otmar Szafnauer, director of operations of Force India. He can leave, but we have to come to an agreement first. Toto has persuasive elements if all parties agree. We work well together… Above all, my job is to look after Force India and I will do everything to serve our interests. »