Rosberg exit won't weaken Mercedes

Rosberg's shock announcement last week Friday caught Mercedes unprepared with the team is now in the hunt for a replacement driver.

Although Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso have been ruled out of the running while Red Bull have made it clear that their drivers are on "long-term" contracts.

As such Mercedes may have to look further down the grid for a new team-mate for Hamilton.

However, Ferrari chief executive Sergio Marchionne doesn't believe Rosberg's exit will weaken Mercedes in any way.

Marchionne told Motorsport.com: "I sent a message over to Toto, I was flying when the news came out, and I was surprised in a sense.

"I actually complimented Rosberg for having had the courage for what he did.

"I think timing in life is everything. He's exiting the F1 season as a champion. He can't get better than that.

"I think Nico had reached an age where he'd invested a long part of his life to racing. And coming out as a champion is a culmination of his expectations.

"I compliment him for making his choice, and I'm not sure where that leaves Mercedes for 2017.

"I do not expect a weaker Mercedes at all. 

"Let's not forget that they still have Lewis Hamilton on board, and I'm sure they'll choose a driver of equal potential calibre as they've had in the past."