With each passing day, Esteban Ocon's hopes of securing a spot on the 2019 F1 grid are dissipating, leaving the French driver thoroughly "disappointed" with his situation.
Just a few months ago, the 21-year-old was contemplating a bright short-term future, possibly with Renault, but Daniel Ricciardo's decision to join the manufacturer's works team blew that opportunity into oblivion.
With his seat at Force India likely taken over by Lance Stroll next season and his status as a Mercedes contracted driver precluding a move to Toro Rosso, Ocon is facing a painful dead end in F1.
"I am not frustrated, I am really disappointed. That is more the word," said Ocon ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.
"There are still hopes, yes, but less and less, as you know. That's a bit why I'm disappointed at the moment, to see that it's not only results that come in play, it has to be other things."
Referring perhaps to his botched opportunity with Renault, Ocon made clear he wasn't holding any grudges against anyone, although he clearly expressed a sentiment of unfairness with regard to his situation.
"I am not upset against anyone or anything. But I have worked really hard to get here, I keep working really hard to perform those last two years.
"This year I have progressed compared to last year and it is 11-3 in qualifying against Sergio [Perez].
"I am fighting hard to do the best I can every race and arriving here, not knowing what I will do next year is hard to swallow obviously."
Ocon revealed that Williams - a Mercedes engine customer team - was a possible option, while the possibility of racing in another category in 2019 was not currently on his mind.
He also insisted that no talks had taken place with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff about the possibility of severing ties with the German manufacturer in order to make him a free agent to help his cause.
"I've never talked to him about this," Ocon insisted.
"What I know is that I have a contract with Mercedes, and never talked about this.
"But what should be taken into account is the results, and the work the driver puts in and the effort he puts in to perform. Those extra sport things should not be taken into account.
"That is where I am a bit disappointed with how things have turned out."
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