Williams looking at Ocon

Claire Williams has confirmed that Williams are looking at Esteban Ocon for a potential driving seat next season.

George Russell was announced yesterday to take one of the seats, but it looks as if there may now be two available.

Lance Stroll, the current Williams man, is set to switch alliances to Force India, following his father's new investment.

Sergey Sirotkin and Robert Kubica remain the favourites for the remaining seat at the moment, though.

Claire Williams confirmed that Ocon is very much on her team's shortlist: "We are still doing a lot of evaluation work," she told Sky Sports. "It's a short short-list we're very happy with the drivers we are evaluating and it will not take us a long time to make that final decision.

"Of course Esteban is in the mix. We would be crazy not to be looking at him."

Williams also confirmed that the signing of Russell yesterday had nothing to do with gaining a stronger relationship with Mercedes, but it was based purely on the talent of the driver.

"This doesn't enhance our racing budget, this was a decision purely based on the talent we know George has," Williams added.

"This is what this team needs - and this is a message of our intent. We need someone who we can build this team around."