Hamilton, Vettel speak out for under-threat Ocon

SPA- FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium: Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel spoke out for Esteban Ocon Saturday after the young French driver, who faces losing his job, qualified third for Force India in the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes and Ferrari drivers said Ocon had shown the talent to deserve his place in Formula One, Hamilton adding that his predicament was a symptom of a wider malaise in the sport.

The two four-time champions hit out amid widespread expectations that the impressive Mercedes junior driver will be replaced at Force India by Canadian Lance Stroll, the son of the team’s new owner, billionaire Lawrence Stroll.

Stroll is under contract to drive for Williams this year, but is reported to be preparing for a seat-fitting with Force India in anticipation of switching teams before next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

“I’ve always been a supporter of Esteban,” said Hamilton who took pole with Vettel in second ahead of the impressive Ocon.

“How he conducts himself and how he performs on track, he is exceptional.”

Speaking at the post-qualifying news conference, Hamilton went on to add: “Unfortunately, we’re in a weird place in Formula One where some teams, rather than take the up-and- coming kid, they take the money. It means the structure of the sport is probably wrong, in terms of how the funds are distributed. I’ve not read who has signed where and what seats are available, but he needs to be in a top car as he is one of the top drivers here. “You can’t let someone who has more money leap in front of a better driver. It shouldn’t happen. The governing body definitely has to (address this) somehow.”