NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 03: Roger Federer of Switzerland congratulates opponant John Milman of Australia following their men's singles fourth round match on Day Eight of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

At least we know for sure which driver it WON'T be racing for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton this season, and that is Pascal Wehrlein, who today has been confirmed to race alongside Marcus Ericsson at the Sauber Formula One team.

It has been rumoured for some time that the former Manor driver would move to the Hinwil based squad, however with the news of Nico Rosberg's retirement, there was a question mark over the young German driver's future.

The 22-year old started in karting and has proved his potential in junior single seater racing, but above all with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM where he drove from 2013 until 2015, breaking record after record: He became the youngest debutant in 2013, the youngest race winner in 2014, followed by becoming the youngest champion in 2015.

“We are very pleased to confirm Pascal Wehrlein as our second race driver for the 2017 Formula One World Championship,” confirmed Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal. “Pascal has shown his talent throughout his career – in single seater racing as well as in the DTM.”

“Last year in his rookie Formula One season, he proved his potential by scoring one point in the Austrian GP in Spielberg. There is surely more to come from Pascal, and we want to give him the chance to further grow and learn at the pinnacle of motorsport. I am confident Marcus and Pascal will form a solid combination for 2017.”

Sauber thus maintains its tradition of supporting young talented drivers and providing them with a competitive car.