The speculation surrounding Esteban Ocon’s future at Force India has been turned up with COO Otmar Szafnauer willing to entertain a Renault approach for the Frenchman.
Links have been between Ocon and the French manufacturer over the seat currently held by Carlos Sainz amid talk that Lance Stroll is set to move to the Silverstone-based team for 2019 as part of a takeover of the squad by father Lawrence.
Though the 21-year-old does have prior experience with Renault, having been reserve driver before switching to Manor mid-way through 2016, it is thought any such deal would have to get the blessing of Mercedes, where Esteban is a junior driver.
“It’s safe to say that we would have to release him if circumstances made it the best thing for us to do, we’d have to look at it,” Szafnauer told Motorsport.com.
“We like Esteban and he’s done a great job for us. At the end of the day, it’s our call. If Renault want to pay a bunch of money, I’ll consider it!”
The problem is, with Mercedes and Ocon still eyeing a future together, switching to a rival manufacturer would be complicated.
“We don’t know. We can’t comment. It’s tricky, the situation,” motorsport boss Toto Wolff admitted.
Others believe a Stroll buyout could spell trouble for Sergio Perez’s future, as his Mexican backing is currently essential to Force India.
The COO though was keeping his cards close to his chest.
“It’s too early. It’s genuinely all wide open,” he insisted. “The time frame is to start speaking with some of his backers and supporters on what they want to do next year.
“It’s usually around the Mexican Grand Prix that we face that, so it’s way premature for Checo.”
