Wehrlein feels “ready for the job” of replacing Rosberg

Mercedes protege Wehrlein was speaking at the Autosport Awards in London, where he collected the prize for ‘Rookie of the Year’ for his performances at Manor this season.

The German beat teammate Esteban Ocon, Renault’s Jolyon Palmer, GP2 runner-up Antonio Giovinazzi, GP3 champion Charles Leclerc and Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi to the award.

Last Friday’s announcement of Rosberg’s shock retirement from F1 leaves a prized vacancy open at the world champion Mercedes team for next season alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Wehrlein is considered among the leading candidates to step into the breach, particularly after comments made by team boss Toto Wolff suggested the Brackley-based squad is unlikely to spend big money on luring a top-name driver away from a rival.

Upon collecting his award, which was presented by Porsche FIA WEC champions Neel Jani and Marc Lieb, Wehrlein said he “definitely” believes he is equipped to replace Rosberg.

“One season in F1 is not a lot, but I feel ready for the job, confident enough,” he said.

“Now the decision is on the bosses, Toto's phone must have been overheating since Friday, many drivers have called him, but I respect that process and they want to go for the best option.”

Encouraged by event compere Steve Rider to “sell himself” to his potential new bosses, Wehrlein added: “I think I did most days with the 2017 tyres, and it’s very important to have that experience!”

Rosberg himself won the award for International Racing Driver of the Year, capping a successful night for the Mercedes F1 team that also saw Lewis Hamilton crowned British Competition Driver of the Year and Paddy Lowe given the John Bolster award for technical excellence.