Lauda on replacing Rosberg: 'It's complicated'

40

Niki Lauda has admitted that Mercedes' conundrum of replacing retired world champion Nico Rosberg is 'complicated', which is why the process is taking a long time.

As usual, we can suspect that negotiations evolve around money issues, and the big ticket items Williams is undoubtedly asking for in exchange for releasing its driver, Valtteri Bottas into Mercedes hands.

"It's all so comlplicated," Lauda told Blick, with veteran journalist Roger Benoit insisting that Mercedes management was not willing at this stage to allocate the full amount of Rosberg's 2017 salary to Bottas' poaching.

Mercedes officially confirm Lowe exit

Williams will be asking for a hefty sum, incentives in the form of a rebate applied to its Mercedes engine budget and certainly a reduction - or an outright elimination - of Paddy Lowe's gardening leave period.

And then there is the case of Felipe Massa who would only delay his retirement plans if Williams make it worth his while financially.

Blick's Benoit suggests, perhaps in a bit of a credulous manner, that billionaire Lawrence Stroll who is bankrolling his son's debut in F1 with Williams, could intervene as he would rather see Lance go up against Massa rather than Bottas.

And waiting patiently in the wings because he has no other choice is Pascal Wehrlein whose deal with Sauber could completely fall apart should Mercedes prove unsuccessful in poaching Bottas from Williams.

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the German who would inherit the plum Silver Arrows drive? Wait and see..

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.