Was Toto Wolff's 'talent trumps money' comment following Esteban Ocon signing a nod to Williams?

In confirming Esteban Ocon's multi-year deal with Force India, Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff said that the youngster's recruitment is a positive development for Formula One and that "talent wins over money".

The comment comes a week after Williams, which like Force India uses Mercedes engines, opted to sign teenage rookie Lance Stroll.

While the Canadian has enjoyed a tremendous season of domination in the FIA European F3 Championship, many have questioned Williams motives in signing the rookie.

Whilst the Grove outfit was quick to deny that Stroll is a pay driver, it has emerged that his father spent an estimated $80m helping the youngster with his preparations for F1.

As well as the use of his own exclusive simulator at Grove, Stroll has tested at a whole range of F1 venues with a 2014 car, with two Mercedes power units provided and a crew of a round twenty plus two Mercedes engineers.

"Esteban has the most impressive track record in junior formulae and he is an exceptional personality outside of the car," said Wolff of Ocon. "Force India has a strong record of working with young drivers and have again shown courage and vision to take Esteban under their wing."

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