London – The time for talking is fast approaching as Mercedes starts a new year with Formula One waiting for a big announcement about who is going to replace retired world champion Nico Rosberg alongside Lewis Hamilton.
The team made clear before the Christmas break that it would have nothing to say before returning to work on Tuesday – but there is evidence to suggest the decision is all but made.
According to motorsport.com Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas was at the Mercedes factory at Brackley before Christmas to meet team engineers and try out the cockpit of the 2017 car.
Bottas has raced for Mercedes-powered Williams since his Formula One debut in 2013 and Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, a former Williams shareholder, has also been involved with the 27-year-old's management team. He's the bookmakers' favourite to replace Rosberg, who quit unexpectedly in December only five days after winning his first title, but other elements may need to slide into place before a deal can be announced.
One would be for veteran Felipe Massa to agree to abandon his announced retirement and return to Williams as Bottas's replacement.
Claire Williams, deputy principal of the team founded by her father, indicated in December that Williams would be open to Bottas leaving if "an experienced, credible alternative was available" – such as the 35-year-old Massa.
Uncertain future
Pascal Wehrlein, the 22-year-old Mercedes reserve driver who might have expected to take Rosberg's place but lacks experience, is another piece of the jigsaw. The young German raced for tail-ender Manor in 2016, scoring the only point for a financially-challenged team whose future remains uncertain, but he's expected to join Ferrari-engined Sauber alongside Sweden's Marcus Ericsson.
Wolff, in his final words to the team before the break, gave no clues but emphasised that Mercedes' best interests would always come first.
"Our position in the spotlight puts every decision taken and every word spoken under an intense microscope," said the Austrian. "They are debated passionately among our fans and interpreted by the media.
"But there has been enough talking, now. This is the period for calm and considered reflection, to savour our achievements and prepare for the next campaign."
With testing due to start in Spain in late February ahead of the opening race in Australia on 26 March, the factories are now entering their busiest period. The time for reflection is coming to an end.