This French driver is in the good graces of 'the Professor'

France is still waiting for the man who will succeed Alain Prost as the country's next Formula 1 world champion, and the F1 legend believes he knows who that could be.

Prost has been highly impressed this season by the talent and skills of Force India's Esteban Ocon.

The 20-year-old who started his F1 career last summer at the Belgian Grand Prix with Manor Racing, has shadowed experienced team mate Sergio Perez' every move this year as the pair have scored points in each of the five races so far.

Red Bull and Force India not on-track rivals

But consistency is just one quality that Alain Prost sees in his countryman.

"He's showing some really interesting things," Prost said about Ocon in an interview with French radio Europe 1.

"We still have to see him in one of the manufacturer's top teams to see if he can win, but I'm pretty confident in his ability."

While he was at it, Prost cast a positive outlook on France's community of young drivers.

"We have a generation of young French hopefuls, without naming them, which appear to be really, really good."

Prost concluded by saying that a French driver would be crowned world champion "very soon".

“Want to win a trackday experience? All you have to do is subscribe to our FREE newsletter HERE”

GALLERY: All the action from Barcelona on Sunday

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.