What's going on in the 2017 Formula 1 driver market

Nico Rosberg has yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes; Kimi Raikkonen's future with Ferrari is again up in the air, with many names linked to his seat, one of which is Daniel Ricciardo after his disenchantment with Red Bull after the last two races.

Throw in the possibility - not for the first time - of this being Jenson Button's last campaign with McLaren, the options for Renault, and there is the opportunity for several changes through the field.

ROSBERG - WILL HE STAY OR WILL HE GO?

Rosberg is out of contract at the end of the year, and while he has made it clear he wants to stay, he has also left the door open with recent remarks including "I feel very good at Mercedes, but let's see what the future holds".

Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda recently stated he wants the situation cleared up soon, unsurprising given Rosberg - who now has Gerhard Berger handling negotiations on his behalf - has been linked with a switch to Ferrari.

German Manor driver and Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein would appear to be the obvious replacement should Rosberg depart, although the marque's motorsport boss Toto Wolff last month spoke highly of Fernando Alonso, who has another year on his deal with McLaren beyond this season.

IS THIS THE END FOR RAIKKONEN?

Three podiums in the opening six races matches Raikkonen's haul from all of last season, but again the Finn's erratic form lends itself to his future being speculated upon.

Little errors in qualifying, and his major mistake in Monaco, continue to pave the way to a host of names being linked with his seat for 2017, as was the case a year ago.

Rosberg, Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas at Williams, and even Force India's Sergio Perez of late are the names in the frame, and don't discount Romain Grosjean at Haas.

Don't expect a decision from Ferrari until much later in the year, most likely around the Italian Grand Prix.

The likelihood is if Raikkonen can retain his podium form then another extension will be forthcoming, particularly given his solid relationship with Vettel.

WOULD RICCIARDO REALLY LEAVE RED BULL?

Both Ricciardo and new team-mate Max Verstappen are on long-term contracts, according to team principal Christian Horner.

Yet the Australian's frustrated and irritated demeanour in Monaco after missing out on what should have been a victory for the second race in succession sparked concerns.

Crucially, Red Bull is on the rise again, and Ricciardo's best shot of success lies with the Milton Keynes-based team unless his head is turned by the lure of Ferrari should the Maranello marque opt to replace Raikkonen.

If Ricciardo goes, Carlos Sainz Jr would be in pole position for promotion, providing he continues to show well against the demoted Daniil Kvyat.

IS THIS FINALLY THE END FOR BUTTON?

Button was adamant in Monaco he had given no thought to next year, while McLaren racing director Eric Boullier recently declared no discussions had started with any of the drivers.

Stoffel Vandoorne waits in the wings should McLaren call time on Button's seven-season stint with the team - and 17 overall in F1.

The young Belgian proved he can comfortably handle himself in F1 when standing in for Alonso in Bahrain, outqualifying Button and scoring the team's first point of the year.

It is a straight choice between Button and Vandoorne to partner Alonso for the final year of the latter's current deal, with the Spaniard going nowhere according to Ron Dennis's comments last month.

A FOURTH YEAR FOR BOTTAS AND MASSA AT WILLIAMS?

Felipe Massa has already indicated he has started negotiations on a new deal, with his form solid enough given he is the only driver this season to score points in all of the first six races.

At the age of 35 Massa is likely content to remain with a team providing him with top-10 opportunities, even with Williams appearing to have slipped back in terms of competitiveness this year.

Bottas, however, gives the impression of someone itching for a move to a big team having raced for Williams since 2013, but a window of opportunity to make such a move does not look on the cards at this stage.

AND WHAT OF THE REST?

Of the remaining 12 drivers at the other six teams - Renault, Force India, Toro Rosso, Sauber, Haas and Manor - only Force India's Nico Hulkenberg has a contract for next year.

There is a chance of a lot of shuffling around before the year is out, opening up the possibility of a few new faces on board for 2017 when new regulations and different-looking cars are on show.