Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has gone on record saying that he "can guarantee" that protégé Esteban Ocon will have a competitive ride in F1 in 2020 if he misses out on a seat at Williams.
Circumstances linked to the takeover of Force India by a consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll have left Ocon - one of the sport's brightest talents - out in the cold for 2019.
The Frenchman's status as a Mercedes driver restricted a move to McLaren and possibly Toro Rosso, leaving Williams, which uses the German manufacturer's engines, as Ocon's ultimate opportunity.
The Grove-based outfit admitted it was keen on hiring the 22-year-old although it would require additional funding to do so.
In the event that Ocon is forced to sit out the 2019 season, Mercedes will activate its 'B plan' says Wolff.
"You know, they say only fools are optimists, and in July I was really optimistic on having Esteban in a Renault," said Wolff.
“So I don’t know, it’s not our call. Williams needs to make up their mind who they think is the best driver for their team, and it’s not only Esteban, there’s Robert [Kubica] in the frame, and then others, and all of them deserve the chance.
"So Williams will make their choice. We are prepared for plan B with Esteban.
"One thing I can guarantee to you is that he is going to be in a good car in 2020, because there are many teams out there that have an interest in Esteban."
Williams, which will lose the backing of principal sponsor Martini at the end of the season, is actively searching for new partners, but Mercedes won't foot the bill for Ocon's recruitment although Wolff - a former Williams shareholder - said he would help the British squad to the best of his ability.
"We will try to facilitate where we can," said the Austrian. "There’s nothing that I could say ‘this is going to help him into the car.’ "
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