Sauber ‘sign Pascal Wehrlein’ paving way for Mercedes to team Valtteri Bottas with Lewis Hamilton

SAUBER F1 team are understood to have signed Pascal Wehrlein.

The move paves the way for Mercedes to sign Valtteri Bottas as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate for this season.

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Merc bosses were weighing up their options after Nico Rosberg sensationally quit the sport just five days after winning the world title.

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It left the world champions with a vacant seat for 2017.

However, with the majority of drivers tied in to long contracts, they were considering either youngster Wehrlein or William's Finnish driver.

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However, with reports that Sauber have now agreed a loan move for the German, it would appear the road is clear for Bottas to partner Hamilton.

If the deal does go through as expected, it is likely that Williams will recall Felipe Massa from his retirement as sponsor's Martini require at least one of the team's drivers to be over 25.

Williams have also signed 18-year-old Lance Stroll.