Mercedes has opted not to promote Esteban Ocon and will continue with Valtteri Bottas in 2020, AutoBild reports.
Team boss Toto Wolff stated he would decide between the two drivers during the summer break, with the momentum appearing to be on Ocon’s side after a tricky period of races for Bottas.
However, despite seeing the impact made by Charles Leclerc at Ferrari as well as the growing threat from Max Verstappen and Red Bull, it appears the Austrian will keep faith in the Finn who joined in 2017.
After a year on the sidelines, Ocon will return to the Formula 1 grid next year, it is suggested.
The Frenchman will be replacing a Haas-bound Nico Hulkenberg at Renault alongside Daniel Ricciardo, the same team Esteban was set to join this season before the Australian made his surprise jump.
It is believed Wolff was trying to leverage that broken agreement in principle last year with Cyril Abiteboul to force their hand on taking Ocon, who was previously worked as a reserve driver at the French manufacturer.
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To make that move happen, the 22-year-old will officially cut ties with Mercedes, although he is still expected to be a future option when the team do decide to change.
Whether that is likely is another story, however, as 2021 could well see a shake-up at the front of the grid with Max Verstappen likely to be a big target for Mercedes.