Mercedes claim junior driver system needs review

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confessed that the junior driver system within Formula One needs looked at as it can, on occasion, be to the detriment of younger drivers, and revealed that the team would be prepared to release Esteban Ocon from the program if it meant him gaining a driving seat for 2019.

Ocon currently drives with Force India, but following the team going into administration and subsequently being taken over by Lawrence Stroll, his son Lance Stroll has been selected to drive for the team.

The Frenchman, despite being viewed as one of the most talented young drivers on the grid, is facing the prospect of not having a place in a team for next season.

Part of this is due to the fact he is a junior driver for Mercedes, which will put off other outfits form taking him on, as confirmed by Christian Horner last week. Wolff ultimately believes that this system needs addressed and that the Silver Arrows would choose to release Ocon if it meant him gaining a seat.

"Fundamentally why we do this is we take great enjoyment in helping young talented drivers who lack finances," said Wolff of the junior program.

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"When we took Esteban from Gravity [management team], we felt that he needed support. But if our support only works until Formula 1 it is then detrimental to these guys to get the right seats, you need to consider these things.

"And then think what does it mean to be a Mercedes driver? At the moment you're driving for another team, Esteban is not going to take any s*** from me if he was driving for a McLaren or a Williams. The whole system needs to be scrutinised in my opinion."

Ocon, however, is not letting the situation distract him from the remaining seven races, insisting he has been in worse professional situations previously.

“It’s not a distraction because I manage to switch off quite well,” he told RaceFans.net.

“And I’ve been in more difficult situations than I am in now. I’m still doing a strong job I think the last few races. Of course it hasn’t been an easy situation. I’m trying to do the best I can on track and I don’t think I’m doing too bad.£