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The Force India pilot expresses his support for "his best friend in the paddock" despite the threat to his seat; The Russian GP is running at 12:10 Sunday
By James Galloway in Sochi
Last updated: 27/09/18 12:47
Esteban Ocon believes that Lance Stroll has been the victim of undeserved "hatred" on social networks, with the Canadian on the verge of taking his seat in India for 2019.
Stroll is about to replace Ocon next season, following his father's takeover of Force India, a decision that would seriously cast doubt on the future of F1 2019.
Before the Russian GP, Ocon published a photo of the two men on a plane and urged fans to "please, be respectful and show your support".
"I did it because Lance is my best friend in the paddock and we have excellent relationships for a long time," Ocon told reporters.
"What is happening is not his fault.
"He's working as hard as I can to be in F1, everyone in F1 is working hard to be there – it's not an easy world, we come from different backgrounds but we have the same motivation and passion for sport.
"I wanted to share this with everyone – to see all the hate I've seen on social media, it's not normal – it's better to show your support than hate."
When is the Russian GP on Sky F1?
Qualifications live Saturday at 13h while the race starts Sunday at 12h10
Despite its links with Mercedes, which awards a high score to the French, it is more and more likely that Ocon is left without a seat in 2019.
He confirmed that he was in discussion with Williams and, when asked if the Grove team was now his only realistic option for next season, Ocon replied, "I think Yes."
Williams is at the bottom of the constructors' standings, but Ocon suggested that this would not represent a career change back.
"There are discussions with Williams, but I can not say it would be a downgrade," he added. "Williams are a great team, they have been world champions in the past and they fought with us last year, they are going through tough times, but all teams have tough times."
How to watch Sky F1 and the Ryder Cup
With the Sky F1 race control service, you can watch the Russian GP and the Ryder Cup simultaneously this weekend
The Sky F1 weekend schedule
Friday September 28th
8:45: Practice of the Russian GP
9am: Practice of the Russian GP A LIVE!
12.45: Practice of the GP in Russia
13h: Practical Russian GP Two LIVE!
2:50 pm: Qualification F2 LIVE!
Saturday, September 29
9:45 am: Practice of the GP in Russia
10h: Russian GP practice Three LIVE!
12h: Reinforcement of the Russian GP
13h: Russian GP qualifications LIVE!
2:35 pm: The F1 Show LIVE!
15:05: F2 Race One LIVE!
Sunday, September 30
9:15: F2 Race Two LIVE!
10:30 am: Pit Lane LIVE!
11:30: On the LIVE grid!
12:10 PM: The Russian Grand Prix LIVE!
15h30: Paddock LIVE!
Sky Sports F1 is the only place where to watch all Formula 1 Grand Prix, qualifying and live tests in 2018. Get Sky Sports F1.
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