F1 news: Fernando Alonso holds the key for Ricciardo to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Alonso apparently pockets €40million-a-year (£35m) from his current McLaren deal but the cash-strapped manufacturer are thought to be keen to cut theirs costs by letting their main driver go in the winter.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Mercedes’ secondary driver Valtteri Bottas is ready to step into Alonso’s seat when his contract expires at the end of 2018.

Mercedes are thought to want to bring in another star to help them record a one-two finish in 2019 - just as they did when Nico Rosberg partnered Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo is weighing up his future as talks over a contract extension continue to drag on.

But Diario Gol say the Australian will join Hamilton next season and get a car to be able to challenge for world championships.

It is unclear who Red Bull would then get to spearhead their team, but Alonso is said to be mulling over a switch to Renault.

Ricciardo has recently hinted that he would like a move at the end of the season.

“I’m certainly going to take my time because I don’t feel like there’s a rush for anything,” he told Sky Sports F1.

“If we come out and win the first few races with Red Bull and they put a contract in front of me then maybe I will sign something pretty soon.

“I don’t really see myself racing till my mid or late-30s in F1.

“So more so I want to make the next period of my career work and make it right – I’m not just happy ticking over and being here."