Esteban Ocon says he is not worried over his future in Formula 1, amid the ongoing uncertainty regarding the driver line-ups of several midfield teams.
Ocon made his Formula 1 debut in Belgium two years ago and saw out the 2016 season with Manor before joining Force India, emerging as a regular points scorer.
Mercedes-backed Ocon had been expected to line up alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Renault next year, but the manufacturer swooped to prise away Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull.
Ocon’s chances of remaining at Force India long-term appear slim, with Sergio Perez expected to stay and Lance Stroll lined up on account of his father’s role in the recent acquisition of the team.
When asked of the missed Renault chance, Ocon said: “It was not a shock. We had possibilities there. In the end, it has passed and we have to move forward.
“I wish Daniel and Renault the best. He’s a good guy and I like him so I wish him the best.
“At the moment, I’m here with Force India and I’m looking forward to racing.
“I’m not worried [about my future], my management and Mercedes have been taking the right choices in the past years and I’m sure they will be able to do the same again.”
Ocon has been linked with a move to McLaren in place of Stoffel Vandoorne, a switch that could be triggered in the event of Stroll leaving Williams for Force India.
Speaking of that rumour, he said: “I don’t know if I’ll be moving to McLaren, I don’t know if I’ll be moving from here. At the moment, these are just rumours. We’ll see.
“What is important is to always perform on track. If you perform on track, a Formula 1 team can’t get rid of you if you perform.
“I want to do the same as what I have done in the first half of the season, trying to do the best I can.”
