Ocon deserves Mercedes chance like Bottas - Wolff

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says Esteban Ocon is just as deserving of a shot with the Silver Arrows as Valtteri Bottas as he continues to ponder who ought to partner Lewis Hamilton in 2020.

Ocon has spent 2019 on the sidelines after the takeover at Force India/Racing Point cost him his seat and a move to Renault was blocked by their swoop for Daniel Ricciardo.

Renault have once again been mentioned as a potential destination for Ocon in 2020, with Nico Hulkenberg potentially moving on, while Haas may be interested if Romain Grosjean is not retained.

Wolff has previously confirmed that Ocon is in high demand as he looks to put the Frenchman back on the grid next year, but he has not ruled out doing so with the Silver Arrows.

Bottas started the 2019 in fine form, winning two of the first four races, but he has since fallen 41 points adrift of Hamilton atop the drivers' standings.

Not that it makes Wolff's decision any easier, as the Austrian admits to agonising over who to choose from between the two.

"We have a top driver in Valtteri, we are aware of that," Wolff told Die Welt. "But we also have this exciting young driver Esteban Ocon, who has earned his place in Formula 1.

"If only I had one of the two, the decision would be very clear, then I would put him in the car.

"But we have both and both deserve a chance with Mercedes; and that's why we'll be considering what the best option is in the coming weeks."

Ocon has served as Mercedes' reserve driver this year and was almost called into action t the German Grand Prix when Hamilton was battling illness on the Saturday at Hockenheim.

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