Rosberg slams 'terrible' Ocon situation

Nico Rosberg has claimed that Formula One junior driver programmes can be excellent for the sport if implemented correctly, but has slammed the potential pitfalls of it, describing the situation surrounding Esteban Ocon's lack of seat for the 2019 season as "terrible".

Ocon is a member of Mercedes' junior driver programme and has been an impressive performer with Force India over the past couple of seasons.

However, his position within the team is under threat by Lance Stroll, who is poised to join from Williams following his father Lawrence's acquisition of the team in the summer, which saved it from bankruptcy.

The likes of McLaren, Toro Rosso, and Williams have been mentioned as a place for Ocon, but his relationship with Mercedes means that teams are unwilling to develop who they consider to be a member of the Silver Arrows squad, as confirmed previously by Red Bull chief Christian Horner.

Rosberg believes this presents the major flaw of junior driver programmes.

"So many top drivers have had the necessary support because the F1 teams have got involved like they never used to - so that I think is a good thing," Rosberg told Autosport.

"The F1 teams themselves are taking the initiative, and supporting very young drivers, so I don't think it is such a disastrous situation.

"Maybe it is a little bit worse than it used to be, but we generally need to keep an eye on it - because a situation like Ocon shouldn't happen. That is terrible.

"He is such a sensation. The guy has been driving so well, and he doesn't have a drive. That is really terrible, so that must be avoided."

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