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.
“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.
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