Nico Rosberg’s shocking decision to retire from Formula One just five days after winning his first World Championship has caused mayhem in the Drivers Market. Many drivers, be it from the past or present have offered to drive for Mercedes in 2017. A few weeks after Rosberg’s announcement, two clear candidates have seemed to appear for the second seat at Mercedes.
Pascal Wehrlein
The German made his Formula One debut in 2016 for Manor Racing. He earned the seat by becoming the youngest ever DTM champion in 2015, at the young age of 20. Pascal impressed in 2016 scoring his first ever Formula One point in Austria, driving in a fairly uncompetitive car. Wehrlein has been Mercedes’ test driver since 2014 and has proven that he is very quick in any car you put him. Being the German team’s third driver Pascal is highly tipped to partner Lewis Hamilton for 2017. According to reports, Mercedes feel that he is a little too young for the job and needs some experience. I am against this statement. Wehrlein has already won a major championhship in the motor racing world and has also has a lot of experience with a F1 car. In my opinion, he deserves the second seat at Mercedes.
Pascal Wehrlein
Valtteri Bottas
The 27-year old Finn is a talented and experienced driver who has started 77 Grand Prix*. Bottas debuted in 2013 and impressed in 2014 as Williams put up a stellar performance, finishing third overall in the Constructors Championship. Bottas has had 9 podium finishes* and is poised by many to be a future world champion. That day might be very close to reality as defending Constructors Champions Mercedes have shown a lot of interest in him. Mercedes’ boss Toto Wolff said that the team was looking for a long term replacement and Bottas just fits in. He is fast, has experience and is also at the peak of his career so I think that there is no reason why Mercedes shouldn’t sign him. According to insider reports, his old teammate Felipe Massa has also been approached to partner Lance Stroll at Williams in case Bottas leaves the team.
Valtteri Bottas
In my opinion Mercedes should opt for Bottas as he has more Grand Prix experience which could be valuable for the future. Don’t get me wrong; Wehrlein is superb but Bottas looks like the favourite for the seat.
What do you think of the same? Comment below and let me know!
*All stats correct to 22/12/2016
Image Credits: formulaone.com
