Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff has dropped a big hint that George Russell will be confirmed as a Mercedes driver for next season.
The young Brit has continued to impress with Williams this season and is widely expected to make the move to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season.
That would bring an end to Valtteri Bottas' time with Mercedes, with it likely that he will make a move to Alfa Romeo following Kimi Raikkonen's retirement at the end of the season.
Russell's expected move would spark a domino effect in the driver's market, which could also see Alex Albon make his return to Formula 1.
Wolf has faced continued questions about the make-up of the Mercedes team for 2022 and, while fans will still have to wait for an official announcement, he hinted that the news is right around the corner.
"I think there is a pretty good chance, at least 50/50. The reason for waiting is the signature on the paper," he told Sky Sports when asked if an announcement could be made in the next week.
Formula 1 heads to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix next weekend, the final race of a triple-header that has marked the resumption of the season after the summer break.