Sauber team boss Fred Vasseur claims the decision as to who will partner Kimi Raikkonen in 2019 will be made “soon”.
Just before it was confirmed Charles Leclerc would be heading to Ferrari next season, the Finn surprised many by confirming he would be going the other way to the Swiss team.
It is believed, however, his move is not linked to the seat that the Scuderia can fill with one of their own academy drivers, therefore, that puts the future of Marcus Ericsson greatly under threat.
While the Swede will be hoping his financial backing and ties can win out, Antonio Giovinazzi is being strongly linked to a second chance, after stepping in for Pascal Wehrlein at the start of 2017.
“The last two weeks for me have been a bit of a rush on the driver market,” Vasseur commented. “We will sit down with all the persons involved in the discussions and we will take a decision quite soon.
“I think it’s also good for the team to have a clear answer. It will be soon.”
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The Frenchman also responded to those critical of the decision to take on Raikkonen, a 38-year-old veteran nearing the end of his career, over a younger driver desperately trying to make it on the grid.
“Clearly Kimi has huge experience in F1,” said Vasseur. “For the team, we are building up every single department and I think he will be very supportive in the process.
“I think from aero to design office to track engineering, tyre management, I think everybody in the team is more than welcome to have Kimi on board in the future. It’s a step forward for us for sure.
“On the marketing and commercial side, for sure it’s a huge push. Have a look at what we had last week in terms of social media – it was probably the first time in our lives that we have so many connections.
“On both sides, I think it will be supportive for us,” he insisted.