Esteban Ocon claims a seat at Mercedes remains his goal despite rumours linking him elsewhere for 2020.
The Frenchman is likely to be a key part of the upcoming ‘silly season’ after spending this year as reserve driver at the Brackley-based squad.
But with Valtteri Bottas seemingly doing enough to remain next to Lewis Hamilton, that has left Ocon looking elsewhere with Renault and now Haas emerging as potential options.
“Those are just rumours,” he told France’s Auto Hebdo. “Nothing is confirmed.
“As long as everyone is talking about it that means F1 hasn’t forgotten about us.
“All options remain alive because Mercedes is open-minded even if it’s with another engine manufacturer.
“I can be loaned to another team, that’s not a problem, but my main goal is to race for Mercedes with the works team.”
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If that can’t be the case for 2020 though, Ocon admits his bigger priority is to simply get back on the Formula 1 grid.
“What interests me the most is a return to F1 and to have that special feeling before the start of a Grand Prix,” the 22-year-old stated.
“It is difficult for me not to race this year. It’s something I miss a lot. I’ve worked all my life to get here.
“My objective is to find a race seat as soon as possible. My management is working hard on finding a solution, so let’s hope that something comes up.”