The qualifying result, the best of Ocon’s short career, marked another milestone for the impressive Frenchman, who has consistently shone since making his debut in the sport two years ago at Spa.

World champion Hamilton said: “I’ve always a supporter of Esteban. I think how he conducts himself and how he performs on track is exceptional.

“Unfortunately we’re in a weird place in Formula 1 where some teams, rather than taking a new up and coming kid, they’ll take whoever has got the money. I think the structure is probably wrong.

“He needs to be in a great car because he’s one of the top drivers here. I hope the opportunity is there for him.”

He added: “You can’t let someone who has more money leap in front of a better driver. The governing body definitely has to [address it] somehow.

“In some ways, I wish I was managing him!”