Mercedes will ‘fade out’ Renault-bound Ocon
Off to Renault next season, Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says Esteban Ocon will "fade out" of his role as the Brackley team's third driver.
Off to Renault next season, Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says Esteban Ocon will "fade out" of his role as the Brackley team's third driver.
Both Mercedes and Renault have stressed that Esteban Ocon's move to the Enstone team is not a loan basis where the Silver Arrows can recall him.
With Mercedes closing the door to Esteban Ocon for 2020, the Frenchman has instead signed with Renault, agreeing a multi-year contract.
The 2020 drivers line up will begin to take shape, at least the midfield part, at Spa with Renault expected to announce Esteban Ocon on Thursday.
Esteban Ocon is edging ever closer to signing for Renault for the 2020 season, replacing Nico Hulkenberg, reports claim.
Esteban Ocon insisted that he was a regular figure in the Mercedes garage as part of his reserve and development role with the Silver Arrows this season.
Two years ago Jacques Villeneuve was not a fan of Valtteri Bottas, calling him an embarrassment; now he feels the Finn is Mercedes' best option for 2020.
Kevin Magnussen and/or Romain Grosjean out and Esteban Ocon or Nico Hulkenberg in at Haas?
Esteban Ocon or Valtteri Bottas? The former is a sensible option for Merc.
Esteban Ocon will replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes next season, so says Bottas' predecessor Nico Rosberg.
Mercedes principal Toto Wolff admits that if they continue with Valtteri Bottas, then Esteban Ocon will need to go elsewhere to continue his development.
Amid rumours of a move to Haas, Esteban Ocon has said "all options remain alive", including a loan move away from Mercedes, as he eyes a quick return to the grid.
Silverstone was the final nail in Romain Grosjean's Haas coffin with the Frenchman set to be fired in favour of signing Esteban Ocon, or so the rumour mill says.
Billed as a future champion and yet forced to watch from the sidelines, Esteban Ocon is not willing to "judge" other drivers but concedes some could be doing a better job.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said the team are prepared to release Esteban Ocon from his contract with the Silver Arrows.