Ocon urges fans to be 'respectful' towards Lance Stroll

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Esteban Ocon took to social media to kindly urge his fans to keep their comments clean with regard to Lance Stroll, the man set to replace Ocon at Force India next season.

Stroll's anticipated move from Williams to the pink outfit follows Force India's takeover by a consortium of investors led by Stroll's father Lawrence.

Ocon's eviction has fueled many comments on the state of the sport and its inability to offer a competitive seat to one of its brightest talents.

However, despite his unfair quandary, the French driver harbors no hard feelings towards Stroll who also happens to be one of his closest friends in F1, and he denounced the cheap shots aimed at the Canadian lately.

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"We can come from a different background, but inside we have the same passion, spirit of competition, and the same love for the sport," a classy Ocon wrote on social media.

"So guys please be respectful and show your support, nothing is easy in life and we all work hard to be here."

After a deal agreed in principle last month with Renault fell through following Daniel Ricciardo's decision to sign with the French team, Ocon has been left with just one potential option for 2019: Stroll's vacated seat at Williams.

Many feel a move to Grove would equate to a downgrade for the 22-year-old given the team's passive under-performance this season. Ocon however, disputes that negative view.

"There are talks with Williams obviously. Yeah, the talks are there, but no, I can’t say it would be a downgrade," said the Mercedes protégé.

"Williams is a great team. They have been world champions in the past, they have been fighting with us hard last year, and they’re having tough times, but all teams have tough times."

Ocon's alternative is a year on the sidelines, assuming a reserve role with Mercedes before a return to the sport in 2020.

"For sure, it could be an option to be on the bench next year, but even if that’s the case, I would be back in ’20 and I would be back stronger and prepared," he added.

"At the moment, the only thing I see is Formula 1. It is not true I will be on the bench yet. Of course there is nothing signed yet, I don’t have a contract. We will see how things evolve.

"For the moment, for 2019, what I want is to come back. If that’s not the case, if I’m not racing in ’19, I want to come back in ’20."

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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.