Ocon: Lance is my best mate in the paddock

Ocon is backed by Mercedes, engine suppliers to Williams and Force India, who see him as a future winner and title contender and are determined to keep him under contract for the long term. That situation means rivals without any Mercedes ties are not interested in his services.

Williams, former champions struggling at the bottom of the standings, are likely to have a vacancy since Stroll is set to take 22-year-old Ocon’s seat at Force India.

Stroll’s billionaire father Lawrence last month led a successful rescue bid for Force India to take them out of administration.

Ocon’s likely ousting has gone down badly with some fans, who feel a talent is being sacrificed to make way for the new owner’s son, but the Frenchman has defended Stroll.

Recently he posted an Instagram story showing him and the Canadian together on a plane and urged the fans to show support and be respectful.

“I did that because Lance is my best mate in the paddock and we have a great relationship since a long time,” Ocon told journalists ahead of the Russian Grand Prix weekend, on Thursday.

The Frenchman defended the 19-year-old Canadian by insisting that he did not deserve the abuse he was getting on social media, “What’s happening is not his fault or anything."

"He’s working as hard as I do to be in F1...of course we come from a different background but inside we have the same motivation and the same passion for the sport."

Ocon said that if he was unable to race in Formula 1 next year he was determined to be back in 2020, stronger and more determined.

He ruled out a move to IndyCar in the United States or the all-electric Formula E series in the meantime. “I am interested in Formula One and that is the only thing I want to do. That’s my only focus.”

Williams remains Ocon's final lifeline to remain on the grid beyond this year, “It’s not sure I will be on the bench yet. Of course, there’s nothing signed... I don’t have a contract. We will see how things evolve.”