Former Manor and Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein is to end his association with Mercedes at the end of this year.

Once considered a possible replacement for Nico Rosberg after his sudden retirement at the end of 2016, the German fell off the Formula 1 grid this season as Sauber closened their ties with Ferrari through Alfa Romeo and took on Charles Leclerc.

Since then he has been racing with Mercedes in DTM but with the German manufacturer set to leave the series after 2018 and no chances of an F1 seat while part of their program, the 23-year-old has mutually agreed to part ways.

"Now it's time to take the next step," he said in the press statement. "I am looking for new challenges and opportunities, and am currently talking to other teams about a cockpit for next season."

Wehrlein's demise with Mercedes ultimately started when Esteban Ocon got the nod to join Force India in 2017 yet now it is the Frenchman that could follow Pascal in leaving the F1 grid.

Now free, his decision to leave could open some doors including at Toro Rosso, who have ruled out Ocon because of his Mercedes backing.

"Our junior programme has always been about supporting young talent and finding opportunities that are in the best interests of the drivers' careers," motorsport boss Toto Wolff said.

"It is not always a straight path to the top - and sometimes we have to recognise that it is the right time to end a relationship, too.

"We want to thank him [Pascal] for his fantastic performances for Mercedes-Benz in recent years and wish him all the best for the future."