Nico Rosberg believes "it would be right" for Michael Schumacher to re-sign with Mercedes. Schumacher has yet to confirm he will stay on with the team for 2013 after his three-year contract expires at the end of this year.

The suggestion is, though, that the German team are waiting on Lewis Hamilton to decide whether he will announce a new deal with McLaren or come and join them at Brackley. It is understood Hamilton will give his answer by the middle of next month, potentially as early as the Japanese Grand Prix. For now McLaren and Mercedes are in limbo, yet Rosberg is hoping he and the seven-times champion Schumacher can continue with their efforts to take the team to the top.

"We get along well, the competition is good," said Rosberg ahead of Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix. "Michael is still at a very, very high level on the track. It is a challenge to race against him. We push the team forward and usually have the same opinion. I think it would be right if Michael stays."

The flip side is Rosberg and Hamilton have been friends for 15 years so welcoming on board the Briton would not be a issue.

Rosberg is aware, however, the driver merry-go-round is currently frozen, even though the rumour mill is churning furiously as to who could be on the move.

Speaking to German news agency DAPD, Rosberg said: "Michael is an important part of the whole driver carousel.

"Nothing will happen until the key positions are clarified and if one of Schumacher, Hamilton or [Felipe] Massa says: 'I am definitely here, then it will all go fast'."

Rosberg is at least assured of his seat for 2013, as team principal Ross Brawn confirmed at the recent Italian Grand Prix, despite a dip in form of late. The 27-year-old said: "I am definitely with the Silver Arrow. I look forward to the next season and even more race wins."