Mercedes and Renault F1 chiefs hail Ocon promotion

Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff says he is happy to welcome Esteban Ocon onto the Formula 1 grid, with Manor.

The 19 year old Frenchman, who replaces Rio Haryanto in the team, is a product of the Mercedes junior development programme, as is his soon to be teammate Pascal Wehrlein.

Wolff said of the appointment, "We are very pleased that this opportunity has opened up for Esteban, that Manor has again had the confidence to give a chance to a promising young talent and that the good collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Renault has allowed this to come together."

"We have seen this year that, in the right circumstances, the Manor Racing is capable of points. Manor is just the right environment for a young driver to get his first experience of F1: a professional, small team that is on a positive upward trend and where the driver can make a real difference."

"Esteban did an exceptional job in the works Mercedes at the Silverstone test and we are excited to see him take his first steps in an F1 race environment."

Ocon is the reigning GP3 champion, and this year has campaigned for Mercedes in the DTM championship while filling the role as Renault's reserve driver. He has participated in FP3 sessions at Circuit Catalunya, Silverstone, Hungaroring and Hockenheim for Renault this season.

Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul is also upbeat about Ocon's promotion. "Esteban joining Manor Racing for the last nine races of the season demonstrates the excellent relationship the two teams, Renault Sport Formula One Team and Mercedes-Benz, have maintained for several years."

"Esteban will be up against a highly rated and quick teammate, which will enable us to evaluate him in a representative environment. I hope this experience will be of great benefit for him and for Renault in the near future," added Abiteboul.