Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff says Pascal Wehrlein’s chances of a Formula One seat in 2016 are 50/50.
Speaking to Sportschau at Hockenheim for the final race of the DTM season, Wolff praised Mercedes’ reserve driver, Wehrlein, saying he’d done a “super job” with in-season testing where he completed one day for both Mercedes and Force India at the Red Bull Ring.
Wehrlein also participated in pre-season testing for both teams when Hamilton was taken ill in Jerez.
Asked about Pascal’s F1 prospects for 2016: “50%” Wolff replied. “There are several alternatives regarding Pascal, but we should not push him at all costs. We must be calm.”
Wehrlein became DTM’s youngest champion on Saturday and is linked to Mercedes with his reserve driver role. Since the engine deal with Manor, however, Pascal’s hopes lie with the opposite end of the field.
Both Mercedes’ drivers are contracted for the foreseeable future, however, a seat would open up if 3-car teams were permitted. Asked about this, Toto responded: “Yes, I said it would be good for young riders.”
