Motorsport: Mercedes considering Alonso for spare seat

Fernando Alonso during previews for the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. Photo / Getty Images

Mercedes are considering Fernando Alonso as a replacement for retiring world champion Nico Rosberg.

"You have to consider Fernando," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said.

"He is a driver I respect a lot. He combines talent, speed and experience. It's all there.

"But he is in a contract with McLaren-Honda at the moment and we just need to weigh all the other options up."

Mercedes face a race against time to bring in a new driver alongside Lewis Hamilton, with pre-season testing due to begin in February.

Rosberg made his surprise announcement last week, just five days after sealing the drivers' championship.

Former Mercedes test driver Pascal Wehrlein, 22, remains the most realistic option for Wolff, who insists both his drivers will share top billing.

"We will maintain the system we have," he added.

"Both drivers will have equal status and equal opportunity to the best of our abilities. We owe it to the fans. You can't have a pecking order."