By James van der Dol

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This week following his last gasp World Championship victory in Abu Dhabi, Nico Rosberg announced that he was retiring from Formula One.

The 31-year-old German had been involved in one of the fiercest battles for the Drivers’ title in the sports recent history. It went down to the final showdown under the lights at the Yas Marina circuit, in which Rosberg knew that a podium finish would hand him his maiden title and pip Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to the top spot of the Drivers’ Standings.

Hamilton led from start to finish and deployed various tactics along the way in an attempt to back up the field and bring other competitors closer to the back of Rosberg who was sat comfortably in second place. Hamilton ignored team orders demanding him to pick up his pace. Nevertheless, despite Rosberg coming under attack from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in the closing laps, he held on to ensure that he would be crowned World Champion for 2016.

The usual exuberant celebrations associated with Formula One ensued as the Mercedes-Benz team celebrated their third World Championship in three years. Although neither of their drivers appear to have a healthy relationship, following the conclusion of this incredible season, both had kind words to say about each other.

Hamilton tweeted shortly after,

Following more celebrations, it took just five days for Rosberg to shock the world once more and announced that he was to retire from the sport. He said “I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right.” He went on to thank everyone that had helped him reach this feat including his close family and fans.

Almost as soon as Rosberg had retired the inquest into whom Mercedes would replace their World Champion with had begun.

Mercedes find themselves at a crossroads. Do they try and fill the seat with someone as experienced as Nico Rosberg and someone that will provide Lewis Hamilton with a serious challenge next season. Or do they take the same approach that rivals Red Bull have taken in previous years and choose someone that has passed through the team’s young driver scheme. We take a look at the potential candidates and what they have to offer.

Fernando Alonso –

The two-time world champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006. Fernando Alonso is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. Having endured a number of underwhelming years at McLaren, is it time for Alonso to move on to pastures new? At 35 years of age the Spaniard cannot afford to waste any time if he wants to challenge for the title once more.

If Alonso were to make the move across to Mercedes then they would be gaining a world-class driver who would be able to help develop their car just like he has done in the past at Renault, McLaren and Ferrari. A driver with 32 wins and 97 podium finishes, he also would provide a challenge for Lewis Hamilton both within the team and in the championship itself. However, there is a potential stumbling block for Mercedes, he is contracted to drive for McLaren during the 2017 season. The German car giant have the firepower to be able to prise Alonso from his seat at McLaren, but it may prove a risky move to pay such a substantial compensation fee for a driver that has been away from the top of the sport for so long.

Pascal Wehrlein – 

The 22-year-old German has been on the Mercedes radar for a number of years now. He is a product of the teams youth set up and had previously been Mercedes back up and test driver. Last season was his first full term competing in F1 in which he drove for Manor. The team struggled all year with lack of investment and numerous technical faults only allowing them to finish in the points on one occasion in Austria. It was Wehrlein that picked up this tenth place finish and helped prove to the world that he could tangle with the best of them. Only Mercedes will know if they have seen enough to convince them that Wehrlein is capable of being their second driver.

Valtteri Bottas – 

Williams endured a rather miserable season in 2016 finishing 35 points behind Force India to finish fifth in Constructors championship. Both drivers struggled with mechanical issues throughout the season and failed to stick to any type of rhythm whatsoever. It was such a contrast to their 2015 campaign in which they finished third above both Red Bull and Force India. Bottas was a linchpin in their success that season and gained a lot of admirers. The 27-year-old has failed to pick up any victories in his time in Formula One, however he has proved to be competent enough to compete with great defensive driving and bold overtaking moves. He has also been driving with a Mercedes engine since 2014. Could this prove to be a crucial part of the jigsaw for Mercedes when identifying their next driver?

Outsiders –

 Sebastian Vettel – 

 The four time World Champion is a fellow German and obviously has the required credentials to fight for the World title. However, he seems extremely happy to be driving for Ferrari who themselves will be aiming to be closer to Mercedes for next season. It would surely take a lot for Mercedes to snatch one of their closest rivals main drivers, especially one with a calibre of Vettel’s.

Esteban Ocon –

The 20-year-old French driver is still a baby in comparison to most on the Formula One grid. After racing nine times for Manor last season he impressed enough to earn himself a spot at Force India for the 2017 season. This is the main reason that it will be very unlikely that we will see Ocon in a Mercedes car next season. But anything is possible in the world of F1.