Sky F1's pundits chime in on Mercedes choice

Sky F1's team of specialists just added their two cents to the ongoing debate about who should replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.

Toto Wolff has vowed to name the lucky driver who shall partner Lewis Hamilton in 2017 by the end of the year.

While the most reasonable choice would call for the promotion of Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein, or perhaps the recruitment of Valtteri Bottas, Sky's Martin Brundle, Damon Hill and Ted Kravitz are all hoping in their heart that a top name fills the prized vacant seat.

"In my head, it would be either Wehrlein or Bottas filling Nico Rosberg's seat, but in my heart it would Carlos Sainz or Fernando Alonso," said Martin Brundle. "A bit of a Spanish theme there but they will light the car up."

Damon Hill: "My head says that it will be one of the Mercedes options which would be Bottas or Wehrlein but my heart says that we would love to see a good rivalry. So what about Max Verstappen or Daniel Ricciardo?"

Ted Kravitz followed the same theme of mind and heart choices: "My heart says Max Verstappen or Fernando Alonso, preferably Alonso, and my head says Valtteri Bottas."

As a reminder, Valtteri Bottas, who is managed by Toto Wolff, has committed to Williams for 2017. One could envisage however his contract being bought out with Mercedes possibly offering the Grove outfit a rebate on its allocation of power units. as well as the services of Pascal Wehrlein.

The Williams family drives a hard bargain however and any negotiations are sure to give Mercedes a run for its money, literally!

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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.