Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda says half of the Formula One grid are putting themselves forward for Nico Rosberg's vacant seat next year.
In a surprise announcement on Friday, the reigning champion retired from the sport with immediate effect, leaving Mercedes facing the huge task of replacing him over the winter. Team boss Toto Wolff said the search for Lewis Hamilton's new teammate would start on Monday, but with 18 of the best drivers in the world already under contract for 2017 it is unlikely to be a straightforward process.
Nevertheless, Lauda let slip that many of the current F1 drivers had already been in touch with him to talk about the situation.
"Practically half of Formula One and maybe more," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I am constantly taking calls."
Mercedes has one obvious choice already under contract in Pascal Wehrlein, who drove his debut season for Manor this year and has frequently tested next year's tyres with the team. But Lauda hinted that Mercedes might want someone with more experience.
"Hiring a youngster is a risk and we don't know how strong they would be," he added.
Lauda admitted the situation had taken him by surprise.
"I took it badly. I was not expecting it. Nobody in Mercedes imagined he could say 'enough'. At first I didn't believe him.
"'Nico,' I told him. "Are you pulling my leg? Is it a joke?' But he seriously said it was all true. Truly incredible."