Ocon "not stressed" about future F1 plans

Ocon remains high on Renault's wish list for 2017, while Manor remains a logical alternative should he not secure a seat with the French manufacturer.

"I'm not stressed, if that's what you meant," he said when asked if he was confident about his future.

"The pressure went away from my shoulders when I came here. Of course then the other challenge is to stay in F1, and prove that you are a good driver.

"But I think the biggest step is really to come in. It hasn't been easy, but the pressure went away when I came in. I feel very relaxed, and that's a good thing.

"At the moment I have to finish the season and do a good job here. We'll see the future later. At the moment I don't know anything."

In having the backing of both Mercedes and Renault, Ocon is in a strong position.

"It's really good, they gave me a lot of opportunities to drive the car, and develop as a driver. Both teams always helped me, Renault first and then Mercedes, they always helped me in one way to take steps, and I have to thank them a lot for that.

"And it's also great to have their support. But at the moment I need to focus here, and I don't want to think about the future yet."

He says Toto Wolff has been supportive: "From what he said he's quite happy at the moment, he said just keep learning and do your job and do your best. If he's happy, I'm happy."

The Frenchman has had a difficult first two race weekends with Manor, but he says it hasn't been tougher than expected.

"Not really, I knew it was going to be like that. I made a really big step on my performance from Spa to Monza. We were not lucky in Monza, unfortunately, but that's how it is. My pace was already much, much better. I hope to make a step again here."

He also played down any question of comparisons with teammate Pascal Wehrlein.

"I'm coming to learn first of all. He's a great driver, he's been really quick all season. I've got a lot to learn from him.

"First I needed to get used to the car and see how F1 works, and then for sure build up my speed. I think now it's more the time to build up my speed.

"It's been two races of course, so start to feel more and more comfortable with the team and with the car and how F1 works. So I don't see rivalry between us. It's all fine."