Mercedes junior drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon are in Formula 1 on talent alone according to Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
DTM champion Wehrlein has secured a place on the grid with Manor, whilst GP3 champion Ocon is on loan to Renault, taking on the position of third and reserve driver.
With the rise of pay drivers, the sport has often been criticised for failing to promote talent over money, but both Wehrlein and Ocon deserve to be in F1 on talent alone and Wolff says that has been recognised by both Manor and Renault.
"We're delighted that Pascal and Esteban will tackle a fresh set of challenges in 2016," he said. "Our aim is to build their experience in the best possible environment and, following positive discussions with our counterparts at Manor and Renault, it became clear that their respective Formula 1 programmes presented ideal opportunities to achieve that.
"It is very pleasing to see young drivers earning their spot in F1 on merit and to see that talent is being rewarded by the system. Pascal and Esteban have proven themselves to be amongst the top young drivers out there – and both come into 2016 as Champions of their respective series."
He added: "They still have plenty to learn and they will be staying humble, with their feet on the ground. This is an important year for them and we will be following their progress with great interest, while also looking to expand our junior programme. Mercedes-Benz has a strong tradition of developing young racing talent and our eyes are very much open to other promising prospects for the future."
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