Wolff 'annoyed' by Ocon/Perez spats

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has confessed that he is 'annoyed' that Silver Arrows junior driver Esteban Ocon got himself involved in many arguments both on and off the track last season with Force India team-mate Sergio Perez, but backed the young Frenchman to mature this campaign.

Ocon is part of the Mercedez-Benz driver development programme but currently races with Force India to build up his experience and abilities. He has not claimed a podium spot as of yet but remains a good prospect for the future in Formula One.

Last year was Ocon's first season with Force India alongside new team-mate, Perez, and the duo regularly clashed and even collided on-track during the Azerbaijan and Hungary Grand Prix races.

Wolff has revealed that he is 'annoyed' by these intra-team spats.

“What bothers us are these intra-team rivalries that end with two damaged cars,” said the Mercedes boss.

“This applies not only to Esteban [Ocon], but also to Checo [Sergio Perez]. As a team boss, I'm so annoyed by that."

Ocon eventually finished eighth in the driver's rankings in the 2018 campaign, 13 points adrift of Perez in seventh place. Wolff has tasked Ocon with improving in this upcoming season and expects his junior driver to potentially leapfrog Perez into a better position when the 2018 season ends.

“Esteban performed very well this year against a very strong Sergio Perez,” Wolff continued.

“Next year he has to take the next step and improve this performance. He is incredibly consistent, makes few mistakes and has great speed.

“Next year, he will have to develop further in this respect and outperform Perez.”