Wolff: Ocon’s Force India move shows ‘talent wins over money’

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says Esteban Ocon’s switch to Force India for the 2017 season shows talent can still win over money in Formula 1.

Ocon joined the Mercedes junior programme last year and spent the first part of 2016 racing in the DTM series with the German manufacturer.

He was then picked up to race in F1 for the Mercedes-powered Manor team mid-way through the season, after Rio Haryanto failed to meet his contractual funding obligations.

Ocon has now moved to Force India alongside Sergio Perez, with Wolff saying the news is positive for F1 as it still shows teams are picking drivers for talent rather than funding.

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“Esteban has the most impressive track record in junior formulae and he is an exceptional personality outside of the car,” Wolff explained.

“Force India have a strong record of working with young drivers and have again shown courage and vision to take Esteban under their wing.

“Even more, it is a positive development for Formula 1 that talent wins over money and we will be seeing some of the most impressive youngsters fighting to make it to the top in Formula 1 over the coming years.”