2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg has backed manufacturers with young driver programs despite the "terrible situation" faced by Esteban Ocon.

The Frenchman is set to miss out on a seat on the grid next season with Lance Stroll taking his place at Force India following the takeover by his father during the summer break.

In looking for alternatives, his Mercedes backing has proved a hurdle with Toro Rosso ruling him out although the likes of Haas and Williams remain a possibility.

"A situation like Ocon shouldn't happen. That is terrible," Rosberg told Autosport.

"He is such a sensation, the guy has been driving so well and he doesn't have a drive. That is really terrible, so that must be avoided."

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Even so, the German, who has since become a pundit and vlogger, believes the benefits of such programs outweigh the possible negatives.

"Many top drivers have had the necessary support because the F1 teams have got involved like they never used to," Rosberg said. "I think is a good thing.

"F1 teams themselves are taking the initiative, and supporting very young drivers, so I don't think it is such a disastrous situation.

"Maybe it is a little bit worse than it used to be, but we generally need to keep an eye on it."

Another young driver who was the victim of the Mercedes program is Pascal Wehrlein, who announced his split from the German manufacturer during the Singapore GP weekend and has since been linked to Toro Rosso for 2019.

“I would be overwhelmed and happy if he on his own would find his way into F1 or a professional racing career," said motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

“Obviously we felt also together with Pascal that this [contract release] was the best outcome for him.

"My opinion of him is still very high and it looked like that we could be possibly blocking his future career," he added.

“This is not what we wanted, and he also felt that he needed to do it on his own and give it a go on his own."