Force India driver decision a "close call"

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley has revealed that the decision of who to sign for 2017 was close between Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon.

Both Mercedes juniors were in the running to replace Renault-bound Nico Hulkenberg, with the younger, less-experienced Ocon getting the nod.

"It was a very close call but Esteban just came out on top," Fernley told Sky Sports.

"We've always had a very clear opinion of what we need from a driver point of view which is the best driver that Force India can afford. Whether that means a package or purely talent, that's Vijay's final call."

Ocon has reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Silverstone-based team, opening the possibility of progressing to Mercedes once either Lewis Hamilton or Nico Rosberg's contracts expire - should Mercedes choose to remain in F1.