Mercedes: We are trying to identify the next Lewis Hamilton

Wolff revealed in his season preview, "We are trying to keep our eyes open to identify the next Lewis Hamilton for in five, six or seven years when Lewis eventually decides he has had enough of Formula 1. We are approaching this with a completely open mindset."

"We are even looking at karting. We are supporting a young Italian boy who is barely 12 years old. We enjoy doing that. It is just about identifying the talent, no matter where they are at the moment."

Ocon was one of the true sensations of the 2017 season while Wehrlein had a solid year with Sauber, but was unlucky to be ousted from the team as they aligned themselves closer to Ferrari and his seat was taken by Charles Leclerc.

Wolff pointed out, "Every year, we set objectives for the boys and they have matched those objectives last year. The bar is rising."

"If you want to qualify for a Mercedes, you need to be quick, make no mistakes, work well within your team, be respected by your team and energise your team. All of these factors that we try to capture and measure. We will see where they end up in a years' time."

But for the immediate future their Four times F1 world champion Hamilton is their top priority, "Lewis has become such an important pillar within the team, it is a no-brainer that we continue with each other."

"The discussions are ongoing and with a very positive mindset. It is just a matter of time when we seal it and put the signature to the document," added Wolff whose team will be hunting their tenth successive titles in 2018.