Pascal Wehrlein says he’s ready to replace Nico Rosberg in 2017 – and is waiting for his bosses at Mercedes to make a call on who will get the job.
The Mercedes protégé is the obvious top candidate for the job given that he has not yet been confirmed at Sauber or Manor and taking him won’t involve any complex negotiations.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said when asked if he saw an opportunity. “One season in F1 of course is not a lot, but I feel ready for the job, and I feel confident enough. Now the decision is on the bosses. I guess Toto's phone is overheating since Friday, many drivers calling him! I respect that process, that they want to go for the best option.”
He also joked that he has done more 2017 tire testing for Pirelli than any other driver.
“I think I did most days with the 2017 tires, and you know it’s very important to have that experience!”
Regarding his rookie season with Manor he said: “It’s been a fantastic season for me, many times in Q2, one point in Austria, and especially after three years in DTM, many things to learn for me.”
