SINGAPORE: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has launched an extraordinary attack on fellow Formula 1 bosses for their “lies” and “lack of balls” which have left Esteban Ocon without a drive next season.
Two months ago Ocon had received provisional deals to sign for either Renault or McLaren after Force India were taken over by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who will replace the French 21-year-old with his son Lance.
But Renault instead made a surprise swoop for Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo after Carlos Sainz left to replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren.
It now means the Mercedes-backed junior driver Ocon looks almost certain to be squeezed out of Formula One in 2019.
“What has been going on this year in July and August was just unbelievable,” fumed Mercedes chief Wolff.
“There was so much politics in the background, hidden agendas and lies,” an angry Wolff told Sky F1 at the Singapore Grand Prix.
“Not all of the good kids are going to be in cars next year and Esteban will probably be one of them.
“In July he had two offers on the table and it was just a case of choosing which one was the right one. Then he ended up without anything because people simply don’t have the balls to stick to what they say.”
Ocon told reporters in Singapore it was difficult to accept the fact he may not be in Formula One next season.
“It’s hard to believe I was in a great position two months ago and things have gone that way now,” the Force India driver said Thursday.
‘Lies’ and ‘lack of balls’ left Sebastian Ocon out in cold: Toto Wolff
‘Lies’ and ‘lack of balls’ left Sebastian Ocon out in cold: Toto Wolff
