Ocon coy on Haas and Williams rumours

Esteban Ocon has neither confirmed nor denied that he is in line to replace Romain Grosjean at Haas or Robert Kubica at Williams, but did say his management are looking at every route possible for him to make a full-time return to F1.

The Frenchman was a victim of circumstance in the summer as he lost his seat with Force India after businessman Lawrence Stroll took over the team to start Racing Point, taking his son Lance to the team in the process at the expense of Ocon.

He is currently Mercedes’ reserve driver and continues to be backed by that team as a member of their driver academy, but he admits it is possible he could return with a team not affiliated with the Silver Arrows.

“What interests me the most is being able to race again in Formula 1,” he explained to RMC Sport.

“It is difficult for me not to race this year. The news last year that I will not be among the 20 drivers on the grid was hard to swallow, especially given my performances.

“All the options remain alive, because Mercedes is open-minded even if it’s with another engine manufacturer.

VIDEO: Verstappen trolled by Norris: It's Ocon!Read more

“I can be loaned, that’s not a problem. My main goal is to drive in the official Mercedes team, but anything is possible,”

Addressing the rumours relating to Grosjean and Kubica directly, he played his cards close to his chest.

“As long as they are about you, it’s a good thing,” he said about the rumours.

“It shows that F1 as a whole has not forgotten about you. My management is working very hard to find solutions for me. Let’s just hope we find one very quickly.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 stars fly economy with easyJet after Belgian Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

Carlos Sainz fires 'wake up' warning to Williams as F1 team risk losing star driver

• 2 hours ago

George Russell told to ditch Mercedes simulator - 'Sniff the air'

• 3 hours ago

Aston Martin 'set for huge Honda engine boost' and these are the teams they could now challenge

• 3 hours ago

Haas to make F1 driver lineup change at Hungarian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 19:45

Max Verstappen's F1 future takes unexpected turn after Belgian Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:44