When Mercedes turns its attention to nailing down its drivers for the 2019 Formula 1 season, it will not be short of options. Keeping hold of Lewis Hamilton, champion in three of the past four years, will be its priority, but the occupant of the second seat is less certain.
Valtteri Bottas is in a strong position as the incumbent but he will need to take a big step forward this year, while Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon would be a fine choice for promotion.
Outside the Mercedes family there is a plethora of drivers on offer, but taking all possible options into account, the driver at the top of the list should be Daniel Ricciardo.