Paul di Resta’s manager has hinted Mercedes could be interested in signing the rookie Scot for 2012.
The comments by Anthony Hamilton on Tuesday follow Michael Schumacher’s reported admission in the Italian press this week that he is not sure "if my mindset is right for this team".
"At some point we will evaluate whether I continue or stop," said the seven time world champion.
Should the German return to retirement, di Resta - impressive on his F1 race debut with Mercedes-powered Force India this year - is considered the favourite for the seat.
He won the DTM championship with Mercedes last year and remains close to the German carmaker.
Said di Resta’s manager Hamilton, the father of 2008 world champion Lewis: "I’d like to think that there is an interest — Paul is a Mercedes protege. I’m proud of him. He will make a great replacement for someone at a top team."