Mercedes wants Vettel to replace Hamilton or Kovalainen

Reports have emerged that Mercedes motor sport director Norbert Haug is looking into buying Red Bull's, Sebastian Vettel's services in the next three to four years, hinting that either Lewis Hamilton, or more likely, Heikki Kovalainen will have to vacate their race seat.

Haug was speaking to the German newspaper Bild at the time. "Our desire and goal is to see a top German driver in a McLaren Mercedes in three to four years."

"I think he is very genuine and already a very, very strong driver," the German said. "He combines his talent with his work in a way that very few do. There is certainly a similarity with Michael Schumacher."