The decision over who will drive alongside Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso in 2019 appears to have come down to two drivers, according to latest reports.
It is widely expected that the former Red Bull driver will be the man named when the junior team make their first confirmation at the Russian Grand Prix in a week’s time.
However, his partner may not be announced for several months yet as the Austrian energy drinks giant look to promote their highest rated junior talent, Dan Ticktum.
Currently, the Briton is leading the European F3 championship which would go a long way towards securing enough points to qualify for a Formula 1 superlicence.
If he were to fail though, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggested the decision may wait “until winter testing” next February, allowing Ticktum to compete in the Winter F3 series to obtain more points.
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Should he fall short in that effort too, then Pascal Wehrlein is the name many expect to get the nod.
“I am looking for new challenges and opportunities, and am currently talking to other teams about a seat for next season,” the German said after recently cutting his ties from Mercedes.
The former Sauber driver was also believed to be an option to replace Brendon Hartley earlier this year when the Kiwi’s seat was most under threat.