Wehrlein likely out at Sauber

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.

• Sauber rules out non-listed parts from Ferrari for 2018

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."

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