Well, well well, who saw that coming? Nico Rosberg has resigned so who do we think will take his place?

Wehrlein makes a lot of sense, under contract, German, done well with his opportunities so far.

How about replacing the ethnic Finn (Nico Rosberg) with fully authentic Finn Valtteri Bottas? Sir Frank can use the money.

I think we were all absolutely shocked when we heard the news. As far as who will take his place, I would say the chances of a top driver in the points is out of the question.......maybe. None of the top drivers have contracts expiring this year, but Mercedes has DEEP pockets. Would they be willing to shell out the cash to pick up a contracted driver? They just might be. Ricciardo and Verstappen both joked on Twitter about giving Mercedes a call, but could they actually have been serious? If Mercedes is going to shell out for top talent, I think the two most likely options are Vettel or Alonzo with Vettel being the top choice, but he won't come cheap. I think there is no way Red Bull is going to lay down and let Mercedes grab one of their drivers as they are said to have an extremely competitive 2017 car and are in good position for a constructors championship next year even if they can't get a drivers championship.

I certainly didn't see it coming (unlike the clairvoyant Hammy), but it feels like the right thing. Perhaps he'll go back to his engineering studies now? He's a rounded enough man to walk away from F1 and never look back, much as his father did. As for his replacement, the only drivers who are available and make sense would be Wehrlein (already Merc driver, and has done well at Manor), Buemi (dominating Formula E, and a safe pair of hands) or Alex Rossi (who despite his protestations would certainly swap a midfield Indy team for the best in F1). Any of those on a one-year deal to keep the seat warm for Alonso or Vettel could do a good job.

I did not see it coming at all, but all props to him. He went out on top and didn't cling around for far too many years like Button and probably Massa.

I know I would LIKE to see Dan in the best car on the grid next year - he'd wipe the floor with everyone. But that's precisely why we WON'T see him (or Verstappen, for that matter) in that other Merc. Hamilton won't allow it. It'll be some no-name rookie or underdone reserve. Hamilton hated being beaten by Rosberg, he sure as hell won't allow the team to replace him with someone strong.

As said, I certainly didn't see that one coming. Headlines say Brundle and Kravitz are shocked - not the only ones.

http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10680270/f1...

Nothing quoted yet from DC or the wee Irish man who I'm sure will utter!!! I suppose if anybody is going to go, it should be 'at the top', but it looks as if F1 is imploding at the moment. I'd lay odds if the team was going to 'throw the book at Hamilton', the book is now firmly back on the shelf. But who of the bigger names is going to be happy playing second fiddle to Hamilton? And somehow I don't see one of the up and comers, giving Mercedes their regular 1 - 2 next season.

I didn't see it coming but from what I'm hearing I think Pascal might take the seat. Not what I want because I don't think he has it in him to challenge a person like Lewis. Lewis doesnt care who you are he'll go for the win

1-Nobody

2-Mercedes always wants at least one German driver. Vettel and Hulkenberg are under rather firm contracts, Heidfeld is too old, so my guess is that they will try to grab Wehrlein.

pascal wehrlein should be given a shot. my moneys on him as daimler bosses like him

verstappen

What a shocker !!!!