Ocon eyes Williams deal and mysterious 2020 'opportunities'

Esteban Ocon says he has "good opportunities for 2020" – suggesting any potential move to Williams will only be on a short-term basis. Rumours have swept through the United States Grand Prix paddock that Ocon will indeed remain on the Formula 1 grid next year, with Williams offering him a seat alongside George Russell.

Williams' recent hire of Ocon's fellow Mercedes junior Russell had been seen as a final blow to the Frenchman's hopes of retaining a race seat in 2019.

However, it has been reported recently that Williams want to replace Sergey Sirotkin with Ocon – however any potential move hinges on the team's ability to raise enough cash.

However, Ocon says his sights are trained a little further ahead, potentially putting Valtteri Bottas on the hot seat alongside Lewis Hamilton.

"At the moment we are still on the same level," Ocon said.

"Still discussions, there are still possibilities for me next year. But really if that's not the case and if I don't find a seat next year we see still good opportunities for 2020."

Ocon was quick to congratulate Russell on social media after his Williams move was concerned and the Force India sriver continued that praise at the Circuit of the Americas.

"It's good to see that George is promoted," said Ocon. "He's also part of the Mercedes junior programme. He signed for multiple years, that was not our intention to sign for those many years.

"There's still a second seat in the Williams, there's still talks so we'll see where that goes."

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