Pascal Wehrlein believes his chances of remaining in Formula 1 are “quite good” for 2018, despite anticipation he will be leaving Sauber at the end of the year.
The young German was considered one of the potential stars of the future not long ago, as he started his career with Manor last season and scored points for the now-defunct British team in Austria.
Following their collapse, Wehrlein’s future was uncertain as Force India took on Esteban Ocon but he would find refuge at Sauber and he has scored all five of the Swiss team’s points this season.
However, with teammate Marcus Ericsson believed to be favoured due to his ties to the team’s owners and Ferrari now keen to send academy driver and likely Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc that leaves the Mercedes junior out of a seat.
The 22-year-old has far from given up though and asked about his prospects last weekend in Sepang, Wehrlein still appeared confident his career would stretch to a third F1 season.
“There is still nothing new but I think there will be a decision in the next few weeks,” he commented. “This year we will not have to wait as long as last year.
“I think the chances are quite good but during the season I try to only think about the coming races. Of course, I will always be informed when there are new developments. (Mercedes motorsport boss) Toto (Wolff) tells me of any important phone calls and of course, I always talk with (Sauber team boss) Fred (Vasseur).”
Consider where he thinks he’ll be racing, Pascal concluded: “I’m assuming I’ll be in F1 next year.”
Interestingly, talking to Sky Sports, Wolff would indicate Wehrlein may yet move to Williams, although that would be unlikely as title sponsor Martini does require one driver to be over 25 for marketing reasons.
The Austrian admitted Mercedes had no sway on the team’s decision, however, despite being engine supplier adding: “Even if we could give our opinion I think we shouldn’t. A racing team will fundamentally make its own decisions for the best interest of the team and the best driver combination in the car.
“I don’t want to have any situation where it looks like I’m compromising anybody like a big brother.”
Mercedes DTM driver and Williams reserve Paul di Resta is also in the frame at the Grove-based team with the motorsport boss also backing the Scot to make an F1 return.
“Paul has been driving exceptionally,” Wolff claimed. “I think he deserves a go. His career is unfinished in Formula 1. I’ve seen him performing in DTM and I’d be happy if he was given a chance.”
