Wehrlein to take Hulkenberg’s Force India seat (2nd Update)
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| Pascal Wehrlein will go where Mercedes pays for him to go |
This rumor is downgraded to 'speculation today and our 2017 F1 SIlly Season page updated accordingly. Pascal Wehrlein has played down suggestions he will definitely fill the vacant spot left by Nico Hulkenberg at Force India for 2017.
Many in the paddock believe the Mercedes-backed Manor driver is assured the seat with the Silverstone based team, but Wehrlein said in Austin that a deal is not done.
"It's not in my hands," the German is quoted by Auto Bild.
"Mercedes or Toto Wolff will continue with the appropriate contacts. If it was me, I could very well imagine another year at Manor," added Wehrlein.
Force India – fourth overall in 2016 – would seem to be a clear step up for Wehrlein, but he explained that a second year at Manor would also be acceptable.
Auto Bild reports that some Force India engineers are arguing against signing Wehrlein, and that another option is his current Manor teammate, Esteban Ocon.
"In most cases, you reap the rewards of your work in the second year," said Wehrlein, referring to the possibility of staying at Manor.
"I am fully involved in the development of the new car, and considering the step Manor made from last year to this year, this is a good sign," added Wehrlein.
He also said the fact that Pat Fry and Nicolas Tombazis' first Manor car will be the 2017 one, that is "a good sign".
"Now in the last four races we need to maintain the place in front of Sauber for the prize money, which can be put to good use with the new car," he said.
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| Pascal Wehrlein – has Mercedes check, will drive |
10/17/16 (GMM) Pascal Wehrlein has admitted he is in the frame to replace the Renault-bound Nico Hulkenberg for 2017.
With his strong Mercedes backing, Wehrlein made his F1 debut this year with Manor, but the Hulkenberg vacancy could now see him move up the grid with another Mercedes-powered team.
Asked if Hulkenberg's seat will be his, Wehrlein told the German broadcaster ARD: "Unfortunately, I still can't say.
"There will be some talks held for next year, and my goal is of course to get into a faster and better car as soon as possible," he added at the DTM season finale at Hockenheim.
"At the moment I have a contract this year with Manor and I'm focused on that. It's my main job.
"I can only influence the other things through my performance on the track," Wehrlein added.
But he admitted that he has been eyeing the Force India vacancy for some time now.
"It was no great surprise that a place may be available at Force India, because the rumors about Nico and also Sergio Perez have been around for several weeks.
"There is usually at least something behind these rumors," added Wehrlein.
10/07/16 (GMM) Pascal Wehrlein has moved into pole position to race up the grid next year, should Nico Hulkenberg leave Force India.
According to rumors, German Hulkenberg is now a hot candidate to join the works Renault team for 2017, as Carlos Sainz's chances seem to fade.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said on Friday that he thinks Renault has in fact "given up" trying to get Sainz out of his current Toro Rosso seat.
So if Hulkenberg goes – amid speculation he is also linked with Haas – there will be a seat free at Force India, whose engine supplier is Mercedes.
Mercedes' top young talent is German Wehrlein, whose current Manor drive is funded by the German giant.
The 21-year-old admitted at Sepang that there are options for his 2017 whereabouts.
"Mercedes will do the talks for me," Wehrlein is quoted by DPA news agency.
"If there are several options, we will decide together."
He denied, however, that what Hulkenberg now does is the key to his next move.
"The contracts of other drivers interests me much less than my own," said Wehrlein.