Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has gently reminded Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul of last year amid rumours linking Esteban Ocon to a 2020 seat.

With the Frenchman's future at Force India in doubt, it was understood an agreement in principle had been reached for him to return to the Enstone team, where he had previously been a reserve driver.

However, soon after, Renault announced the signing of Daniel Ricciardo for this season, leaving Ocon without a drive and instead, take his current role as a Mercedes reserve.

Now, with Nico Hulkenberg's future to be decided, Wolff is trying to play on those events to try and force Abiteboul's hand.

"I like Cyril but in order to become a gentleman with the handshake, he needs to restore his gentleman image," he was quoted by PlanetF1. "We are looking at all options."

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Heading into this year, expectations were Ocon was set to replace Valtteri Bottas for 2020 alongside Lewis Hamilton but the Finn's form has made that scenario less likely.

Even so, Wolff still remains confident the 22-year-old will be back where he belongs on the F1 grid.

"Esteban is a hot topic because he's clearly one of the most promising young drivers and he deserves to be in Formula 1, and we can see that with the interest that he generates," the Austrian said.

"I am very optimistic that we will see him in a Formula 1 car next year."