Mercedes shortlist Pascal Wehrlein and Valtteri Bottas to replace Nico Rosberg

Mercedes, the reigning Formula One constructors’ champions, have shortlisted reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein and Williams Martini Racing's Valtteri Bottas as the frontrunners to replace now-retired world champion Nico Rosberg, per fresh reports.

Earlier this month, Rosberg shocked the world by announcing his retirement after clinching his first and only F1 world championship. Since then, several names have been doing the rounds as the German's possible replacement in Mercedes but team boss Toto Wolff dropped some hints during an interview with Sky Sports.

"Clearly, with Nico (Rosberg) taking the decision quite late we are in a bit of a compromised situation because if we had known three months ago, there were more options available.

"Maybe we need to make a brave decision in the same way Nico has made a brave decision. We need the quickest guy who makes the least mistakes and understands that this is a team game," said Wolff, before praising Wehrlein, who graduated from the team's young drive programme before driving for Manor.

Wolff added that the team would respect "contractual obligations" during its search and wouldn't outright recruit drivers who are committed to rivals.

Mercedes high on Pascal Wehrlein

Even though Wehrlein is in the running to replace Rosberg, the 22-year-old German was overlooked by Force India for fellow Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon. Wehrlein is reportedly seeking a drive for the 2017 season and Mercedes are leaning strongly towards him, according to several reports.

Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas, who has finished on the podium an impressive nine times since making his F1 debut in 2013, shares close ties with Wolff and was managed by the Mercedes boss during his entry into the sport four years back. In fact, Bottas is still a part of Wolff's management firm.

“Besides the personal relationship, where he’s (Bottas) a very likeable and intelligent driver, he’s also somebody who is very, very fast. But he’s with Williams now, the lead driver, and is very important for the combination with Lance Stroll. Claire (Williams) and her team very much rely on him," said Wolff while addressing the rumours of Bottas replacing Rosberg.

Williams are expected to make a final decision before Christmas. Will it be Pascal Wehrlein, Valtteri Bottas or perhaps a veteran driver looking to make a comeback to the sport?