Pascal Wehrlein now plays down Force India link

Pascal Wehrlein has played down suggestions that he will definitely fill the vacant spot left by Nico Hulkenberg at Force India for 2017.

Many in the paddock believe that the Mercedes-backed Manor driver is assured the seat with the Silverstone-based team, but Wehrlein said in Austin that a deal is not done.

"It's not in my hands," the German is quoted as saying by Auto Bild.

"Mercedes or Toto Wolff will continue with the appropriate contacts. If it was me, I could very well imagine another year at Manor."

Force India - fourth overall in 2016 - would seem to be a clear step up for Wehrlein, but he explained that a second year at Manor would also be acceptable.

The report says that some Force India engineers are arguing against signing Wehrlein, and that another option is his current Manor teammate, Esteban Ocon.

"In most cases, you reap the rewards of your work in the second year," said Wehrlein, referring to the possibility of staying at Manor.

"I am fully involved in the development of the new car, and considering the step Manor made from last year to this year, this is a good sign."

He also said the fact that Pat Fry and Nicolas Tombazis's first Manor car will be the 2017 one is "a good sign".