Ocon: Stroll is "my best mate in the paddock"

Esteban Ocon has defended Lance Stroll in his latest comments, despite it seeming fairly obvious that the Canadian will take his seat at Racing Point Force India next year.

Force India fell into administration and were bought out by Stroll’s dad Lawrence, hence the move from Williams to Force India.

It seems likely that Ocon will take the seat vacated by Stroll at Williams, but it seems to be a downgrade on his current seat, and for such a talented driver it is a shame to see.

Fans of the French driver are unhappy with the decision, but Ocon uploaded a picture of him and Stroll together on a plane and encouraged fans to respect and support them both.

He told the media ahead of this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix: “I did that because Lance is my best mate in the paddock and we have a great relationship since a long time.

“What’s happening is not his fault or anything.

“He’s working as hard as I do to be in F1, of course we come from a different background but inside we have the same motivation and the same passion for the sport.”

Ocon has denied that he will look to other categories of motorsport for a drive, and is keen to sign for Williams.

He added: “It’s not sure I will be on the bench yet. Of course, there’s nothing signed, I don’t have a contract. We will see how things evolve.”