Haas interested in Pascal Wehrlein

Pascal Wehrlein could be in line for a shock switch to Haas for 2017 according to Germany's motorsport-magazin.com.

Team principal Guenther Steiner has been quick to express an interest in the Mercedes-backed youngster, although he admits talks have yet to commence.

"He's a Mercedes driver," said Steiner, "so I don't know how well it suits us or Mercedes because we have the Ferrari powertrain.

"But I am of the opinion that he is one of the best young guys, in the league of Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Ocon," Steiner added.

It wouldn't be the first time a Mercedes junior driver has driven for a team running a different manufacturer's powertrain.

As well as conducting Formula One testing for Mercedes and driving for the marque in DTM, Esteban Ocon has spent this season on loan to Renault where he has been free practice outings. He is also in line for a race seat with them next season

While Manor have said they would like to retain Wehrlein next season, the team's racing director Dave Ryan has admitted that it is not certain that the 21-year-old will be back next year.

"Please don't misunderstand me," he said, "I think he's absolutely brilliant and I would like very much if he would be back with us next year, but let's see how the second half of the season goes."