Ocon in talks over 2019 F1 seat

Esteban Ocon has revealed that he is in talks with Williams over a potential 2019 drive as he looks to salvage a place on the Formula 1 grid. Ocon saw deals with Renault and Force India slip through his fingers as a result of a chaotic summer break in F1.

Daniel Ricciardo's shock switch to Renault from Red Bull and Lawrence Stroll's takeover at Force India – which will see son Lance move from Williams – have left Ocon scrabbling to secure his future, despite his evident talent at the wheel.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was left enraged at seeing his junior driver left stranded, but Williams could offer salvation, as they take power units from Mercedes.

With Stroll likely to leave, a seat will open up. Although the team are thought to prefer Robert Kubica as Sergey Sirotkin's partner in 2019, the chance to have Ocon in their team could prove too strong, despite the Russian's financial backing and Kubica's greater experience.

"It's a bit strange how it turned out, because I had options with two big teams and most drivers can only dream of that. But we will find a solution," Ocon told TF1.

"Even if I have to miss next season, I am sure that I will return to F1 in 2020.

"I was surprised when Renault signed a contract with Daniel Ricciardo. Renault has explained that it was because I was in the Mercedes programme, but I do not agree with Cyril Abiteboul.

"Yes I'm a Mercedes driver, but if I was in a Renault that wouldn't matter. I'm a little upset that as a sportsman, it's not only your sporting achievements that matter.

"I don't know whether I can go to Williams. We are negotiating and we hope that everything will work out.

"Not having a contract for next season is not a catastrophe but you never know how things will develop in F1. What I can promise is that next year I will do my best to be back in the championship in 2020."

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