[NeilP]

I think Ocon should be the second Mercedes now never mind next year but I understand the reasoning why he is not.

What should we make of him being released from his Mercedes obligations? Well it tells me they are prepared to let him race for another team next year and I think there are rumours of him going to Renault with whom I believe he already has some ties. If that is true it obviously means one of the Renault drivers will not be there. Hulkenbergs contract expires at the end of the season so its probably natural to suspect Ocon will replace him.

I have another (probably totally wrong) theory. Maybe Mercedes are going to release Ocon to Renault and Renault will release Danny Ricciardo to sign for Mercedes, that way Mercedes get a jump on driver movement for 2021. If he replaces Hulkenburg where does he go, back to Racing Point to replace Perez? Where would Bottas go I find it hard to believe he would go back to Williams. I think Haas may be the answer. A Haas team with Hulkenberg and Bottas would be a big step up.

Interesting times ahead