The Esteban Ocon situation showcases the dark side of F1, a side which portrays to the outside world that money in the bank is more important to land a F1 seat than talent and skill inside the cockpit.
Ocon is visibly upset by the situation and feels a little helpless as even Mercedes are not quite able to get their driver a seat for 2019.
Toto Wolff today slammed rival teams that had earlier put in offers for Ocon but did not have the balls to keep their word later.
“What’s been going on this year in July and August is just unbelievable,” Wolff said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“There was so much politics in the background, hidden agendas, lies.
“Not all the good kids are going to end up in cars and probably Esteban will be one of them.
“In July he had two offers on the table with contracts and it was just a matter of choosing which was the right one.
“He ended up not having any anymore because people just simply don’t have the balls to stick to what they say.” he added.
Christian Horner says that instead of complaining about the current situation, Mercedes and Wolff should take their cheque book out in order to get Ocon a seat for next year.
“We’ve invested in the team. If Toto writes a cheque I’m sure [Ocon] can get him a seat in Williams.
“There’s three super talented kids, certainly two very strong ones I think, and Ocon would be great to see in Formula 1 and George Russell. Toto might have to cut them free at the end of the day because it’s a shame to see those guys not get a Formula One seat, just because of who they’re contracted to.” Horner said.
Horner pointed out that Red Bull’s investment in a sister team has helped them prepare drivers for the big league as well and that is something that Mercedes will ultimately have to do.
“It’s the only real way. We’ve made that commitment, we’ve made that investment, and it paid evidence with Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly coming through.
“I think the problem that Toto’s got at the moment is that he’s got talented drivers but there isn’t a seat. That’s going to be a real problem for those guys going into next year.” Horner concluded.
