Mercedes keeps Wehrlein in the family

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Mercedes has confirmed that it will continue to support Pascal Wehrlein and employ the young German driver as its 'test driver' for 2018.

The 23-year-old made his F1 debut in 2016 with minnow outfit Manor before moving to Sauber last season.

The Swiss outfit's limited resources put a lid on Wehrlein's ability to perform but he still brought the team its only championship points in 2017.

Wehrlein's best drives were buried at the bottom of the pack

Unfortunately, Sauber decided to part ways with the German and keep Marcus Ericsson while also taking on Ferrari junior Charles Leclerc.

"We have supported Pascal since 2013 and he earned his chance in Formula 1 after his DTM victory in 2015," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sport Bild.

"After that, he experienced two not so easy years in formula one with Manor and Sauber.

"But we will keep him in our racing family in 2018 and also offer him a role as F1 test driver at Mercedes, to keep his door open to formula one for 2019," Wolff added.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.