Nico Rosberg: Mercedes should look at Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso for 2018

Reigning Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes would be wise to evaluate both Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso for a seat with the team in 2018.

Rosberg was set to remain with Mercedes in Formula 1 for the next two years, but his surprise retirement as world champion opened a vacancy alongside Lewis Hamilton, which for 2017 has been filled by former Williams racer Valtteri Bottas.

When asked about comments suggesting that Vettel would have been a good replacement for him, Rosberg clarified the situation, and explained that his compatriot would be wise to look at Mercedes for 2018, following the end of his initial three-year deal with Ferrari.

“What I said was is that it would definitely make sense for Sebastian to have a look at that Mercedes seat for 2018 and for Mercedes to have a look at him and to consider him,” he said ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards.

RelatedPosts

Aston Martin reveals major AMR26 breakthrough after first F1 2026 finish

3 hours ago

The Oliver Bearman crash and 1994: A scarily similar series of events

15 hours ago

“For 2018, that’s obvious, he’s one of the best drivers out there and he doesn’t have a contract for 2018.

“So they [Mercedes] should explore the possibility and who knows, let’s see what happens, it could be a good thing.”

Rosberg, who continues to act as an ambassador for Mercedes, reckons Alonso, entering the final season of a three-year deal with McLaren, could be an option for 2018.

“Of course, Alonso, they [Mercedes] need to keep him in mind even though he’s not the youngest out there anymore he’s still driving at his best, I think, it looks like from what we have seen,” he said.

“So he should be considered as well and I’m sure he will [be].”

Rosberg has been nominated for 'Breakthrough of the Year' at the Laureus Awards, with the ceremony set to take place in Monaco on Tuesday.