Toto Wolff says it is “highly possible” Mercedes will wait until the winter before it decides whether to retain Valtteri Bottas or promote George Russell.

Mercedes is considering both drivers for its second seat, with the German manufacturer hoping to begin contract talks with Lewis Hamilton around the summer break.

Bottas and Russell are out of contract at the end of the season, with the pair now in a straight fight to earn the drive after Esteban Ocon re-signed with Alpine on Wednesday.

Although Bottas has endured his worst start to a campaign since joining Mercedes in 2017, Wolff is keeping an open mind over whether the Finn should remain alongside Hamilton next year.

Speaking at the French Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Wolff said he was no rush to make a decision, revealing a potential timeframe for when its second driver could be announced.

Asked when there could be news, Wolff said, as quoted by Motorsport.com: “Somewhere in the winter I think. But I don’t know if it’s December, January or February.”

Pressed on if the team would really wait until the end of the season, Wolff said: “It is highly possible because we have always been committed and loyal to the drivers. And this is what we’re doing.”

Wolff was clear that Bottas’ fate was in his own hands if he wants to prove to Mercedes he is deserving of another year.

Asked what Bottas had to do to keep his seat, Wolff said: “Drive the car fast on a Saturday and Sunday. If he does that, he puts himself in a very good situation in terms of next year.”

Wolff stressed a final decision would be based on performance alone and not for the sake of Mercedes wanting a change to its driver line-up.

“That [a fresh impetus] is one of the one of the things that need to be considered? Absolutely. But it’s not the main driver,” Wolff said.

“The main driver is consistent performance. Especially in this difficult year, we need two drivers that are racing right there. If one is having an off weekend or DNFs, you need the other one to bring it home. And that’s why it’s always important that both are just on the max of their ability.”