Both drivers are contracted to Mercedes and have been linked with drives elsewhere, including Force India and Renault, who are yet to complete their 2017 line-ups.

As both Ocon and Wehrlein - in their debut F1 season - are sub-contracted to Manor, the team's line-up is essentially in Mercedes' hands.

But Ryan says that nurturing young drivers to prepare them for another team is not generating any frustration for Manor.

"It's not frustrating in any way, shape or form," Ryan told Motorsport.com. "It's really nice working with young guys who come on board with great ambition and huge desire to progress and be champions.

"And to be a little part of that along the way is pretty nice. I think it's great.

"We loved having Pascal and Esteban as part of the team and have them along for the ride. They've contributed massively.

"If they ended elsewhere then that's how it goes, you know, and we would have two replacement drivers who I'm sure would work really well with the team as well."

Ryan reckons both drivers have a bright future in Formula 1 after seeing how they have performed this year.

"They are both brilliant," he added. "They are both very talented, both got a great future in the sport.

"And I'm sure they will be in Formula 1 for quite some time."

Ocon joined the team when he replaced Rio Haryanto in the Belgian Grand Prix and, despite having just seven races under his belt, Ryan admits he has been very impressed by the Frenchman.

"It's quite incredible, you know. The first time he sat in our car was at the first practice session in Spa," he said.

"After his first couple of runs it was quite evident that he's quite at home in a Formula 1 car and very, very capable. And he's gone on to show that."

Interview by Erwin Jaeggi