©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
On the eve of Formula 1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, drivers set aside championship…
Formula 1's 2025 season hurtles toward its dramatic close this weekend in Yas Marina, with…
In a title showdown charged with tension, numbers, and a hint of intra-team intrigue, Max…
Charles Leclerc isn’t sugarcoating Ferrari’s struggles this season – but he also isn’t second-guessing the…
Red Bull Racing’s newest recruit, Isack Hadjar, is stepping into Formula 1’s hottest seat with…
Lando Norris may be on the brink of his first Formula 1 world championship, but…