©WRI2
Sauber is expected to drop Pascal Wehrlein from its 2018 driver lineup and keep Marcus Ericsson on board next season.
Recent reports suggested the Swiss outfit, managed by Fred Vasseur, was eager to keep the Mercedes protégé rather than Ericsson.
But the Swede's close relationship with the team's owners, Longbow Finance, could in fact guarantee an extension of his contract with Sauber, according to Blick newspaper and its F1 correspondent Roger Benoit.
Marcus Ericsson looks set to be joined by Ferrari junior Charles Leclerc whose graduation to the big time following his crushing success in F2 would only be logical.
Benoit believes Sauber's deal with the 20-year-old Monegasque should be made "in November".
Is for Werhlein, his future looks clouded, with his Mercedes backing said to be running out and only an outside chance of a switch to Williams.
"I have no news yet on this side," the 23-year-old said last weekend in Mexico.
"But there are some discussions going on for next year and I hope we can fix something soon."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…
Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…
Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…