Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos believes Mercedes should be “starting to think” about promoting Esteban Ocon to the seat alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2019.
The Frenchman has remained remarkably upbeat despite the current uncertainty over his future with his place at Force India to be given to Lance Stroll and Williams his only realistic option if they can find more sponsorship.
One reason is a reassurance by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff that he’ll be “in a good seat” in 2020 with many wondering if that will be the seat currently held by Valtteri Bottas.
While the Finn has already played down that speculation, Doornbos wonders if his current performance warrants a rethink.
“Bottas has been very disappointing in the second half of the season,” he told Ziggo Sport.
“Maybe Mercedes are starting to think that they should put Ocon in that car. Yes, Hamilton is ruthless, but Bottas is 3 or 4 tenths behind in every race. Maybe Ocon can do better.
“There is certainly enough time to buy his [Bottas’] contract, so it wouldn’t surprise me.”
While it’s very unlikely and Wolff has already said a ‘Plan B’ is in place, should Williams not take on the 22-year-old next year it will be interesting to see how it plays out.