Toto Wolff believes Sahara Force India F1 Team signing Esteban Ocon for the 2017 Formula 1 season is a positive development, with talent winning over money.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that Ocon would be making the switch from Manor Racing MRT to the Silverstone-based outfit. Ocon signed a multi-year deal with them and will be joining Sergio Perez. The team are no strangers to the Frenchman after he was their test driver in 2015.
Before the start of the season, Mercedes ‘loaned’ Ocon to Renault Sport Formula 1 Team to become their reserve driver, as he is on the Mercedes Junior Programme. He later made his debut with Manor at the Belgian Grand Prix, after Rio Haryanto couldn’t find funding for the second half.
Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Wolff believes Force India have shown courage and vision with taking Ocon under their wing.
“Esteban has the most impressive track record in junior formulae,” Wolff said. “He is an exceptional personality outside of the car.
“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 One that talent wins over money. We will be seeing some of the most impressive youngsters fighting to make it to the top in Formula One over the coming years.”
