Mercedes reserve driver and current DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein believes his chances of making the 2016 Formula 1 grid are roughly 50 per cent.
The 21-year-old became DTM’s youngest champion this year and has impressed hugely during recent F1 tests with Mercedes and Force India, but that doesn’t guarantee him a place on the grid next season, though he has been linked to the Manor-Marussia team.
“I hope so!” Wehrlein replied when asked if he will be the fourth German on the grid next year. “My clear goal is to drive in Formula 1 one day.”
However he admits he could remain in DTM for another season before making the switch.
“At the moment, chances are probably 50-50. I may do another year in DTM, which would not be bad. DTM is pretty fun.
“I could try to become a two-time champion. I would not settle for anything else. But of course, F1 remains my goal. I feel ready for the next step.”
As for rumours he could land a Manor seat, Wehrlein says he isn’t too concerned by the recent management changes at the team, as he believes they’re heading in a good direction.
“Next year’s team will have little in common with the current one. Manor will get Mercedes engines but also support from Williams, which is changing many things. They will be much more competitive than in 2015,” he predicts.
