According to the German Bild, the Formula 1 team Mercedes is considering three candidates to replace seven-time world champion, British driver Lewis Hamilton.
The main contenders for the driver’s seat are said to be Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Ferrari, as well as Dutch driver Max Verstappen from Red Bull and Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Formula 2 - a junior driver for the German team.
It has also been reported that the name of the successor will not be revealed for at least the next two weeks.
In the upcoming season, 39-year-old Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari.
Earlier reports in the media suggested that Carlos Sainz had signed a contract with Mercedes. Four-time Formula 1 champion, German driver Sebastian Vettel, discussed with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff the possibility of returning to the races.