Wehrlein's future in Mercedes' hands

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Mercedes protege Pascal Wehrlein says that the German manufacturer will have the last word when it comes to deciding where he will be racing next year.

A test driver for Mercedes in F1, Wehrlein was promoted to a race seat with Manor Racing as part of the British outfit's engine deal with the manufacturer for 2016.

While Wehrlein admitted a second year at Manor was under consideration, and with both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg confirmed at its works team, it is believed that Mercedes could place its young hopeful at either Williams or Force India.

"Mercedes will manage it [the future], I'm not thinking too much about it," Wehrlein said.

"It's up to Mercedes. I'm happy and focused on the situation now, and then we will have to see what the opportunities are for next year, and then decide. At the moment, it's too early to say anything about it."

Wehrlein achieved a top ten finish with Manor this year, scoring a championship point in Austria, and believes he still has plenty of experience to gain.

"I'm learning a lot about Formula 1, the car, the tyres. There have been situations where we could have done better, but I think it's normal, as it's my first year in single-seaters (since 2013) – it's new, so I'm just getting used to it.

"We knew that there would only be a few opportunities this year where it would be realistic to be in a position where we could score points if everything goes right for us.

"Our pace is not in the top 10, at none of the tracks, it was just in Austria that everything was perfect – we were competitive, the car was fast and I felt happy in the car."

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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.