Pascal Wehrlein the latest to be linked with Briton's seat as part of Mercedes engine deal; Rossi also eyeing permanent deal with team
Tuesday 29 September 2015 10:40, UK
Will Stevens insists he is in positive talks about 2016 as speculation mounts he could be replaced at Manor by Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein.
Manor are expected to switch from Ferrari to Mercedes power next season and the Silver Arrows are thought to be keen on Wehrlein gaining F1 race experience.
The 20-year-old has tested on a number of occasions for Force India, but the retention of Sergio Perez alongside Nico Hulkenberg has closed off a potential race seat there.
Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff expressed his frustrations recently that the Force India avenue was no longer available for Wehrlein who he insists has the "potential" to race in F1. The Austrian went on to suggest that that Manor could be a possibility, but that talks hadn't taken place.
Alexander Rossi, who made his F1 debut with the team in Singapore, is expected to retain a seat his seat in 2016. His presence could potentially help the Manor-Mercedes alliance with marketing in the United States.
Rossi impressed Manor at the Marina Bay Circuit with team president Graeme Lowdon commenting that "he equipped himself really well".
So where does that leave Stevens? Perhaps telling he refers to Manor as "them" rather than "us" when he discusses the team. But the 24-year-old is confident about his career path next year.
"I think as a team the next few years are going to be pretty exciting for them," Stevens said.
"This year was always going to be tough using last year's car with the old Ferrari power unit. But looking ahead to next year, for me personally we are working hard in the background to sort things for next year which are looking positive. We will see, hopefully we can have something to say soon."
Should Stevens find himself ousted from an F1 race seat and Jenson Button retires, Lewis Hamilton could be left as the only British driver on the grid - the fewest in world championship history.
However, it is not just Wehrlein and Rossi who Stevens has to worry about. His team-mate for much of 2015, Roberto Merhi, hasn't given up hopes of a drive next year, although the Spaniard admits budgetary issues could hold him back.
In the 10 grands prix Merhi and Stevens went head-to-head in during 2015, the young Englishman prevailed 7-3 in qualifying. In the races, though, it was level at 5-5, reflecting well on Merhi's race craft. His single-lap deficit can be partly explained by being taller and heavier than Stevens.
There are also the two McLaren junior drivers looking for race seats in 2016. Should Button not retire, both Kevin Mangussen and Stoffel Vandoorne have made plain that they will be looking for F1 drives at other teams. Magnussen is thought to already have had talks with Haas and Manor and told Sky Sports F1 earlier this month: "I want to race, I'm not prepared to sit around another year."
Meanwhile, McLaren have indicated they will seek to find a seat with another team for GP2 champion-elect Vandoorne in 2016 to allow him to gain F1 experience before becoming a driver at the Woking squad.
Drivers linked with Manor in 2016
Will Stevens - Made F1 debut with Caterham at 2014 Abu Dhabi GP. Contested 11 GPs for Manor in 2015 with a best finish of 15th.
Roberto Merhi - 2011 F3 Euro Series champion. Finished third in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2014. Competed in 11 GPs for Manor during 2015 with a best finish of 12th.
Alexander Rossi - GP2 title contender in 2015. Made F1 debut as a test driver with Caterham in P1 at 2012 Spanish GP. Tested for BMW Sauber in 2009 earning super licence. Contested first F1 race with Manor in Singapore.
Pascal Wehrlein - Mercedes F1 reserve driver. Leading 2015 DTM championship. Tested for both Mercedes and Force India this year.
Kevin Magnussen - McLaren reserve driver. Competed in F1 during 2014, finishing second on his debut in Australia. 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 champion.
Stoffel Vandoorne - McLaren junior driver. Dominating GP2 championship in 2015. Runner-up in Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2 in maiden campaigns. Tested for McLaren during Austrian in-season test.
Max Chilton - Former Marussia F1 driver. Has raced at Le Mans with Nissan and in Indy Lights with Carlin in 2015.
Fabio Leimer - Current Manor reserve driver. 2013 GP2 champion.
Raffaele Marciello - Ferrari junior driver. Currently test driver with Sauber and drove during P1 in Malaysia, Spain and Great Britain. 2013 European F3 champion.
Esteban Ocon - Mercedes junior driver. Made F1 debut during P1 with Lotus at 2014 Abu Dhabi GP. 2014 European F3 champion. Currently second in GP3 Series.
