Esteban Ocon’s association with Mercedes is the reason why he isn’t racing in Formula 1 in 2019, 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has claimed.
The Frenchman was controversially dropped by the now-Racing Point outfit after two years at the end of last season to make way for Lance Stroll, the son of the team’s new owner Lawrence.
While the circumstances of his exit gained much of the attention, Ocon’s options elsewhere were limited because of his Mercedes junior status with Red Bull pointing to that very reason to deny the 22-year a place at Toro Rosso.
“Esteban Ocon is in F1 thanks to Mercedes,” Villeneuve told Canada’s RMC. “At the same time, it was the fact of being with Mercedes that blocked him from going elsewhere.”
Now, Ocon is set for a year as a reserve with the German manufacturer, potentially waiting in the wings to replace Valtteri Bottas in 2020.
“He has already been fortunate enough to be in Formula 1 for a few years without having brought in the budget himself, which is amazing,” Villeneuve continued.
“He should be proud of it rather than it being a negative.”
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The ex-Williams driver’s point on the lack of sponsorship comes as he launches his own foundation aimed at supporting young racing drivers, something he believes is needed in the current climate.
“I have the impression today that the financial contribution is more important than talent,” he claimed to Le Journal de Montreal.
“I’ve been in the paddocks for a number of years now and I see how it’s going and I’ve really taken notice, perhaps because I have kids too.
“Often, parents come to me and ask ‘What should I do to help my son?’ and my first response now is ‘Tell him to do something else’.
“It’s an awful answer but I’m not able to lie.”