Mercedes has been linked with a move for Williams driver Valtteri Bottas as it looks to fill the seat vacated by retiring world champion Nico Rosberg.
Rosberg's shock decision to quit F1 left Mercedes with a big void going into 2017 and has seen a host of drivers tipped as potential replacements. Bottas, whose management stable includes Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, has been one name put forward, though this year he signed a deal to remain at Williams for 2017.
Both BBC and Sky Sports have reported that Mercedes made an approach to have Bottas released from his contract which has been blocked by Williams. Bottas would be a logical replacement for Rosberg, as he is well regarded by Wolff and is more experienced than junior driver Pascal Wehrlein.
When contacted by ESPN about the reports, a Williams spokesperson refused to comment, saying simply: "We have announced our 2017 driver line up".
If a move for Bottas was successful it would leave Williams looking for a replacement to partner 2017 rookie Lance Stroll, though Mercedes could potentially sweeten any deal with their junior driver as he is yet to secure a seat for next season. The news came just days after Motorsport.com reported Mercedes' technical chief Paddy Lowe, whose contract expires at the end of December, is set for a shock switch to Williams ahead of the 2017 season.