Esteban Ocon has made it clear he wants to remain in Formula 1 in some capacity next season as his chances for a race seat diminish.
The Frenchman is in talks with Williams for 2019 but should they not succeed it appears he will have to sit out at least one season, with Force India already offering a third driver role should he want it.
There have been rumblings of the 21-year-old potentially going to Formula E to fill his vacant year, but he doubts racing in other series would have any benefit to his F1 ambitions.
“My focus is to be in F1,” Ocon said after qualifying in Sochi.
“I have done that [raced in other series] in the past which was very useful but now, with the experience I have and the things I am looking for, I don’t have more experience to gain.
“I think the most experience I can learn is in F1.
“That is my full focus and if I have to sit out for next year then I am trusting Toto [Wolff] and Mercedes to sort me out.”
Also Read:
Some have suggested, based on this year’s performance, that if Williams agreed to take on the highly-rated youngster, it would be a step back after two strong years with Force India.
“I can’t say it will be a downgrade,” he told RaceFans. “Williams is a great team, they have been world champions in the past, they have been fighting with us hard last year. They have a tough time [now] but all teams have tough times.”
As it is, Ocon is continuing to concentrate on the here and now with the possibility of every race being his last.
“I am just trying to enjoy as much as I can really. I am racing in F1, the best championship in the world so I want to enjoy it the most,” he said.
“I am racing amazing cars and that is how I see it. I am just trying to live in the moment and keep all the negative away and that is all I can do.”
