Who will Mercedes hire.

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In the midst of Nico Rosbergs shock retirement from formula one, a number of candidates have been linked the highly desired Mercedes seat. Reportedly 80% of F1 drivers have been in contact with Mercedes regarding the vacant seat. There was enormous excitement about the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and even retired Jenson Button. However most of those drivers have been played down by respective sources.

On a more realistic scale it appears to currently be between only two drivers. Mercedes junior Pascal Wehrlein and Williams driver Valtteri Bottas. And the preferred candidate is Valtteri Bottas.

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Bottas is a perfect candidate for Mercedes considering the big gun drivers are occupied with current contracts. He is an exciting and enticing driver who proved his driving talent in 2014. Starting on the from row twice, came close to a pole position in Russia, took a staggering 6 podiums in his second season in F1. Generally he drives quite consistently and made minimal mistakes. Furthermore he is a very peaceful driver, attractive for Mercedes to try and halt any re ignition of a Rosberg Hamilton type rivalry. He has four seasons under his belt and is part of Toto Wolffs management team. Stats and facts aside it seems Williams is rejecting offers from Mercedes.

Toto Wolff offered to take €10m off Williams Mercedes engines, if they released Bottas. For Williams having power units at less than half price. Along with an option to have Pascal Wehrlein as a replacement for the Finn. Despite that talks are expecting to be ongoing, Williams have rejected that offer. Now this is only initial but in the long term with more negotiating and convincing its likely an arrangement could unfold. Williams and Mercedes are very close relationship. Moreover they don't tend to be like McLaren, Ferrari or RedBull when it comes to releasing drivers.

Bottas is Mercedes favourite candidate to replace Nico, and although he may be under contract that doesn't mean number 77 on a silver arrows can't become a reality.