Ocon: Mercedes switch 'a matter of time'

Esteban Ocon says it is a matter of 'when' and not 'if' he races for Mercedes at some point in his Formula 1 career. The Frenchman has impressed since moving into F1 in 2016, but his options for 2018 have been slimmed by the Silver Arrows sticking with Valtteri Bottas and Renault hiring Daniel Ricciardo.

Ocon had been widely expected to sign a loan deal with Renault in 2019, but the door has been shut by Ricciardo's arrival in the French team, who have also confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg will be retained.

Remaining at Force India now appears to be Ocon's best option, but Lance Stroll's likely arrival in the team after his father's takeover complicates issues there also.

Sergio Perez is heavily sponsored, has five years' worth of experience in the team and also stepped in to help save more than 400 jobs as they entered administration last month.

A loan to McLaren has also been mooted, where a seat alongside Carlos Sainz Jr is yet to be confirmed, and Ocon is not concerned about dropping off the grid next year.

"The bosses [at Mercedes] have plans for me that are 'not yet'," Ocon told Motorsport before Ricciardo's Red Bull exit was confirmed.

"It's not the plan for now. I think they want me to have more experience before I jump in that car. I knew that already. I have targets I have to respect.

"At the moment they are happy with the job I'm doing. It's just a matter of time, I think.

"My future will be sorted out soon. I'm not worried at all. I'm not in a position [with] the knife under my chin.

"The job we are doing with Force India this year is strong and everyone is happy with that.

"I'm not in a position where I have to perform at any cost and take massive risks in the race – I don't feel like that."