Ocon has outside chance at Williams seat (Update)

Esteban Ocon – will his check be large enough, larger than the Russians?

UPDATE (GMM) Esteban Ocon and Robert Kubica look to be tussling with incumbent Sergey Sirotkin for the second race seat at Williams for 2019.

We reported this week that Kubica has secured $10 million in backing by a Polish oil company that puts him in the running for the promotion from reserve driver.

But Williams boss Claire Williams said in Austin that Ocon, the talented Frenchman who is losing his seat at Force India, is a top contender.

"Having someone with Esteban's talent, if only for one season, is something I'm open to," France's Auto Hebdo quotes her as saying.

Like Ocon, Williams' confirmed driver for 2019, rookie George Russell, is a leading member of Mercedes' driver program.

"We signed George because we could sign an agreement for several seasons that allows us to build for the future," Williams added.

"We have been working hard for six months to ensure that our 2019 budget allows us to hire drivers on merit.

"For the second seat we do not have the same room to maneuver. We would like to proceed as we did for the first driver but the road to get there is harder.

"We are working hard to ensure that Esteban stays in F1 next year by coming to us. We are doing everything we can to get there," Williams added.

Ocon admitted he hopes his Mercedes connections help give him a boost for the seat at Williams.

"I think it's a good thing that Mercedes has managed to place one driver because it's been a little difficult for me and Pascal (Wehrlein)," he said in Austin.

"There is still the other seat so we'll see what happens. There are still discussions," Ocon added.

He said he does not feel pushed down the Mercedes pecking order just because Russell was signed up ahead of him.

"He has signed for several years and that was not our intention," said Ocon. "He is at a different point to me in his career and I don't see it that he stole my place."

09/26/18 (GMM) Esteban Ocon has admitted Williams is his last shot at a F1 cockpit for 2019.

The Frenchman is disappointed not only that he is losing his Force India seat to Lance Stroll, but that options to switch to Renault or McLaren both vanished recently.

"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, 22, told the French broadcaster TF1.

"Even if I have to miss next season, I am sure that I will return to formula one in 2020," he said.

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

"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."

Like Renault, Red Bull has ruled out Ocon for Toro Rosso on the basis of his Mercedes links, while Haas is expected to keep both of its current drivers for 2019.

That just leaves Williams, but a better funded driver is more likely to be selected by the beleaguered British team.

Still, Williams is powered by Mercedes and has been closely linked to Toto Wolff.

"I don't know whether I can go to Williams," Ocon said. "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 formula one. What I can promise is that next year I will do my best to be back in the championship in 2020," he added.