Toto Wolff suggested that Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein is in the running for the coveted Williams seat for 2018.
The Grove-based outfit has yet to decide who will partner Lance Stroll with Felipe Massa, Paul di Resta and Robert Kubica figuring among the probable choices.
But Wolff believes the 22-year-old Wehrlein, which Sauber may keep on board next year, is also a contender despite the well-known fact that Williams sponsor Martini requires that at least one of the team's drivers be over 25 for marketing reasons.
"I think it’s four drivers they are talking too," Wolff told Sky F1. "Robert [Kubica], Paul [Di Resta], Pascal and Felipe [Massa].
"But even if we could give our opinion I think we shouldn’t. A racing team will fundamentally make its own decisions for the best interest of the team and the best driver combination in the car.
"I don’t want to have any situation where it looks like I'm compromising anybody like a big brother."
While speaking on the matter, Wolff heaped praise on di Resta, insisting the Scot did a remarkable job when he deputized for a sick Massa in Hungary in July and deserves a seat in F1.
"Paul has been driving exceptionally," Wolff added.
"I think he deserves a go. His career is unfinished in Formula 1. I’ve seen him performing in DTM and I’d be happy if he was given a chance."
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