Max Verstappen
The most exciting driver in Formula One and almost certainly a future world champion. But he is under contract at Red Bull and Christian Horner would be incredibly unlikely to let him go. That, however, has not stopped the 19-year-old from mischievously tweeting a screengrab of his phone screen which showed, in what is presumably mock-up, the Mercedes chief Toto Wolff giving him a call.
Fernando Alonso
Under contract at McLaren until the end of 2018, he has long been unsettled at a team who have seriously underperformed in recent years. One of the most skilled drivers in Formula One and a move to Mercedes would give him a car to match his talents but would mean a reprise of the turbulent relationship he endured in 2007 when team-mates with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren.
Sebastian Vettel
Endured another disappointing year at Ferrari in which he did not come close to adding to his four world titles. A move to the German constructor would suit him, and the thought of him and Hamilton finally racing in cars which match each other for performance would be mouth watering. Under contract at Ferrari until 2018.
Pascal Wehrlein
The simplest solution for Mercedes would be to promote a driver who is already on a development contract with the team. Though he spent 2016 racing for Manor, he has filled in for Nico Rosberg and Hamilton in testing and has been identified by Mercedes as a future star. The 22-year-old German could be offered a one-year deal to fill the seat until Alonso or Vettel’s contracts come up.
Jenson Button
Another decent short-term option. Button is, officially, on a year-long sabbatical from McLaren with a return to the team left open. However, he has acknowledged he is unlikely to return. A safe pair of hands to keep the seat warm for Alonso or Vettel while also picking up points for the constructors’ championship. Spent three years as Hamilton’s team-mate at McLaren and while they were not close, neither were they openly hostile.
Esteban Ocon
A Mercedes development driver, who made his debut alongside Wehrlein at Manor this season. However, he has agreed to drive for Force India in 2017 and, at 20, is young and inexperienced. A complicating factor could be that Mercedes supply Force India with engines so, should the German team pinch their driver, it could lead to bad blood.
Valtteri Bottas
The Finn has signed up for another year at Williams but is a reliable and solid driver who could be the sort of under-the-radar team-member Mercedes could pair with the combustible Hamilton.