Musical chairs: the 2019 driver line-up takes shape

Force India

Esteban Ocon (FRA) Sahara Force India F1 VJM11.

POSSIBLE

Esteban Ocon
Although these days he's a Mercedes-backed driver, Esteban Ocon started his professional life in the Renault stable. It had looked certain that he would be back there in the F1 factory team next season, but Daniel Ricciardo's signing on Friday has totally upset that apple cart and leaves the Frenchman looking somewhat in limbo if Force India doesn't continue in some shape or form.

Sergio Perez
Everything is up in the air at Force India because of the team having gone into administration. And one of the triggers was Sergio Perez initiating a winding-up order. However the Mexican insists he did it for the good of the team so there should be no lasting repercussions. With little on offer elsewhere, it seems likely that Perez could stay in 2019 providing the team itself survives in some form.

George Russell
If a new team rises from the ashes of Force India, then they might be looking for new blood - and current Formula 2 front runner George Russell looks like the perfect bet. There's no doubting his driving ability, and his Mercedes links make him the ideal driver to take over from either Ocon or Perez next season and give the team a new sense of momentum.

Lance Stroll
Another young driver linked to Force India next season is Canada's Lance Stroll. He comes with considerable financial backing from his billionaire father Lawrence, who has been mentioned as a possible new investor for the stricken team. If that's the case, it only makes sense that his son would switch from Williams as well in 2019.