Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says it is “satisfying” that the manufacturer’s protégés, Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon, will take on new challenges in Formula 1 this season.
Wehrlein, affiliated with Mercedes for several years, graduated to Formula 1 with Manor in 2016 following a title triumph in the DTM and scored a point in Austria.
Wehrlein will now switch to Sauber for his second year in the sport, alongside Marcus Ericsson, having retained the backing of Mercedes.
Ocon, meanwhile, was picked up on an official basis by Mercedes after claiming the GP3 title in 2015 and was loaned out to Renault for the opening half of 2016, as well as racing in the DTM.
Ocon joined Manor following Formula 1’s summer break and came close to scoring his maiden point in a rain-affected Brazilian Grand Prix, only dropping out of the top 10 on the penultimate lap.
The French youngster has moved to Force India, next to Sergio Pérez, after penning a multi-year deal with the Silverstone-based outfit.
“I am pleased to know that Pascal will be racing at Sauber to continue his development in F1,” said Wolff.
“He had a good first season with Manor and we feel this is the right path for him in the sport.
“It's satisfying to have both of our young drivers taking on new challenges in F1 this year, with Esteban also racing at Force India.
“We'll be following their progress closely; I'm sure we've got an exciting season ahead of us.”
Wolff also extended his gratitude to Williams and Sauber following Mercedes’ recruitment of Valtteri Bottas, and the prolonged wait regarding Wehrlein.
“On behalf of Mercedes, I must thank Williams for their cooperation in allowing Valtteri to make this move – and also Monisha [Kaltenborn] and Sauber for their patience during the past weeks,” he commented.
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