Mercedes hints no plans to change drivers

Mercedes appears in no mind to change its driver lineup any time soon.

Breakthrough China GP winner Nico Rosberg admitted this week that he could imagine staying with the German marque for the rest of his F1 career.

"I see no reason why he shouldn’t stay for a long time," agreed Norbert Haug, Stuttgart carmaker Mercedes’ motor racing vice-president, in the pages of Germany’s Sport Bild.

"We’re embarking on the road to success together, so what could be better?"

Indeed, it is the future of Rosberg’s teammate, the great Michael Schumacher, that is much more unclear.

The 43-year-old’s contract runs out this year, but he is performing better than in 2010 and 2011 with the improved W03 car.

"I don’t think he is going to go to another team," said Haug, indicating that if Schumacher does stay in F1 beyond 2012, it will be at the wheel of a Brackley-built car.

German Schumacher showed his passion is still strong recently in Bahrain, hitting out at the heavily-degrading Pirelli tyres.

"I can understand his frustration," team boss Ross Brawn told the DPA news agency.

"He has been very strong this year and when we get everything right we will see the results."