An agreement is now in place between Mercedes and Sauber that will see Pascal Wehrlein drive for the Swiss team in 2017.

That is the very latest paddock rumour from Abu Dhabi, coinciding with reports out of Brazil that current Sauber driver Felipe Nasr has lost his key Banco do Brasil sponsorship.

When asked about his future in Abu Dhabi, DPA news agency quoted current Manor driver Wehrlein as responding: "There is nothing new.

"There's something new, but nothing new with a signature," he clarified.

As for Wehrlein's current place at Manor, a frontrunner may be Esteban Gutierrez, the Haas team refugee who has key backing from Mexico.

"What I can tell you is I've been working day and night for something definitive," he is quoted by the Spanish daily Marca in Abu Dhabi.

"We are focusing a lot of energy on it but so far there is nothing to announce. But there are good prospects and possibilities and I hope to share my plans soon," Gutierrez added.

(GMM)