Pascal Wehrlein says he is fully prepared to replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes next year if he is called up for the job.
Wehrlein is not signed up to a team for next season, but is on a long-term junior driver contract with Mercedes. The 2015 DTM champion took part in his debut season with Manor this year and completed more test days for Mercedes than any other driver, including a series of development tests on Pirelli's 2017 tyres.
After receiving the award for best rookie at the Autosport Awards, Wehrlein was asked if he felt ready to make the step up to Mercedes.
"Definitely," he replied. "One season in F1 is not a lot, but I feel ready for the job, I feel confident enough.
"Now the decision is on the bosses. I guess Toto's phone must be overheating since Friday, because many drivers have called him, but I respect that process and I want them to go for the best option."
Told to sell himself a bit more, Wehrlein added: "I think I did most days with the 2017 tyres, and it's very important to have that experience!"
On Friday team boss Toto Wolff said he would analyse all options for the drive, but with most of the grid contracted to rival teams for 2017 he could find those options somewhat limited. Mercedes' top management is meeting in Brackley on Monday to assess potential drivers and start its decision-making process.