Ross Brawn has answered "why not?" when asked if he can imagine Michael Schumacher staying at Mercedes in 2013.
The seven time world champion’s three-year contract is set to expire, and the German marque’s former DTM protege Paul di Resta has been linked with the race cockpit alongside Nico Rosberg.
It is believed, however, that 43-year-old Schumacher has the power to trigger a unilateral ’option’ for 2013, which would explain Mercedes’ apparent attempts to speed up the great German’s decision.
Team boss Brawn admitted: "We are focused on Michael for as long as it takes and whatever it takes. Then we will see where we are elsewhere.
"We haven’t discussed it but he enjoys himself and if he enjoys himself, why not?" he is quoted by the Independent newspaper.
"Inevitably you come to a point where you say ’Let’s have the discussions’, because these things can sometimes take some time."