Manor Marussia are the only team left to announce their driver line-up for the 2016 season, and after Mercedes confirmed they would supply the team’s engines, it’s likely we’ll see some driver changes.
Will Stevens and Roberto Merhi will all be hoping to keep their drives, but will face tough competition from other aspiring F1 stars.
Here’s a look at some of the other possible candidates for the vacant seats:
Alexander Rossi
2015 wasn’t just about Formula One for the 24-year-old, he’s currently 2nd in the GP2 series behind the highly rated Stoffel Vandoorne, further adding to his reputation.
The American has impressed since coming in at the Singapore Grand Prix. At the moment, he’s beaten Stevens on every race he’s entered and is already ahead of the Brit in the Drivers’ Standings.
It’s not just his speed which is making him look like a likely candidate for 2016, Manor-Mercedes are hoping that his presence will increase their marketing in the United States.
Chances? Highly Likely
Pascal Wehrlein
There has been talks that Mercedes are keen to have Manor sign up their German test driver.
The 21-year-old has been competing in his third DTM championships this year and won the series last month, an impressive achievement considering the level of competition.
However, Toto Wolff has exaggerated that just because of the change in engine supply there is no guarantee that Pascal will be getting a seat.
Manor aren’t just looking for someone who’s quick, they’ll also be looking to bring someone into the team who has a good financial backing, so it’s just a question of whether or not Wehrlein has the money to go with his speed.
Chances? Quite Likely
Fabio Leimer
The Swiss driver has had a long journey to Formula 1 since graduating from Karting back in 2006.
He competed in a range of series including Formula BMW, International Formula Master and Formula Renault before entering the GP2 series back in 2010.
He competed in four different seasons before finally winning the series in 2013, taking 3 wins and 7 podiums.
In June 2015, Marussia announced that Leimer would be their official reserve driver behind Merhi and Stevens.
However, since his debut practice session in Hungary he hasn’t been chosen for the team again and was overlooked for Alexander Rossi later in the season.
Chances? Very Unlikely
Stoffel Vandoorne
The McLaren test driver has insisted he’s ready for Formula 1 after winning the GP2 title in Sochi, 108 points over Alexander Rossi in second.
Before Manor announced they’d be using Mercedes engines, Honda was linked with the team and so too was Vandoorne.
The Belgian is a rising star and is being tipped by many to replace either Jenson Button or Fernando Alonso at McLaren when they retire.
However, links between him and Manor-Mercedes have quietened recently, and with Gutierrez signing for Haas-Ferrari it looks like Vandoorne may be forced to spend another season away from Formula One.
Chances? Moderate
Esteban Ocon
Another young Mercedes driver hoping to make his way into F1 for 2016. Ocon is just 19-years-old and beat Verstappen in the 2014 Formula 3.5 championship.
This year he’s racing in GP3 and is just 2 points off the lead with two weekends remaining.
He’s also a test driver for Force India, and his Mercedes links could give him a surprise entry into Formula 1 with Manor.
He’s still an outside shot and I wouldn’t be too optimistic of him getting his chance this time round.
Chances? Unlikely
Kevin Magnussen
After being dropped by the Mclaren-Honda team last month, Magnussen was tipped to join the newly formed Haas-Ferrari team.
However, after both Haas drivers were announced after the Mexican GP, Magnussen is still available for a drive in 2016.
I’m not sure Kevin will be too keen on the move though and he’s been chosen as one of three drivers to test the new Porsche LMP1 for the World Endurance Championship next year.
Chances? Unlikely
