Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen…Jeremy Clarkson? After Nico Rosberg’s shock decision to retire from Formula One on Friday the odds are already on who will replace the German at Mercedes.

Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein is, unsurprisingly, the favourite to step into the world champion’s recently vacated shoes; the 22-year-old has just completed his first season in F1.

Alonso, Verstappen and Jenson Button – although he was widely expected to retire – are other names in the frame, as well as Esteban Ocon, Felipe Massa and Jolyon Palmer.

Things could, of course, take a turn for the surreal, and we could be greeted by the frankly glorious sight of Clarkson locked in battle with Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone next season.

Sadly, James May does not make the list.

Betway’s Alan Alger, said: “It comes as a shock to see newly-crowned F1 world champion Nico Rosberg retire from the sport but Mercedes won’t drag their feet when it comes to finding a replacement.

“Manor’s Pascal Wehrlein is our traders favourite at evens, with the highly-rated German tipped to make a big impact similar to Max Verstappen, who himself is 20/1 to leave Red Bull.

“It’s also no secret that Executive Director Toto Wolff is a Fernando Alonso fan and has previously spoke about him racing for Mercedes, so the 6/4 to replace Rosberg will be an attractive price to many F1 fans.”

Odds on Rosberg’s replacement at Mercedes