Ross Brawn has hinted strongly that the newly rebranded Mercedes team is only on the market for a single driver for 2010. It is believed, but not confirmed officially, that Nico Rosberg has already been signed to the Brackley-based outfit.
"We are not in a hurry to find a replacement for Button," Brawn is quoted as saying by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, after the team's 2009 champion this week defected to McLaren.
Most strongly connected with Button's vacated seat are Kimi Raikkonen, Nick Heidfeld, and even Michael Schumacher.
"It would be stupid to jump now into a fast decision," Brawn continued. "We will carefully analyse the list of potential candidates.
"I believe our free cockpit is the most attractive one on the market," he added, suggesting strongly that the identity of at least one Mercedes driver for 2010 is already internally secure. Mercedes' Norbert Haug indicated that he is keen on Kimi Raikkonen. ?He has my number.
He can call me at any time," Haug said.
Schumacher rumours persist however, but it is unlikely that the former champion could be tempted back to the cockpit.
"The last time I spoke with Michael, I did not get the impression that he wants to make a comeback on a long-term basis," Brawn told Auto Motor und Sport.
Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told the SID news agency: "Michael enjoys his life. A return to Formula One is currently not a topic."
F1-Live
