Toto Wolff has said he wants to have discussions with the F1 Strategy Group about the introduction of a third car for the junior drivers of teams' driver developmental programmes. Wolff's idea was met with scepticism when the paddock arrived on Thursday in Singapore.
In Singapore, Wolff explained that the idea would grant more chances for drivers who are talented enough to make it into F1 but might not have the financial backing that is taking precedent at the moment in the sport, with drivers like Esteban Ocon and Stoffel Vandoorne unable to secure a drive for 2019.
Speaking to Autosport, the Mercedes team boss said that the idea would garner opposition but that it was worth a discussion at least.
"I like the idea because the more cars we have in the field, and the more opportunity we give to young exciting drivers to fight in a competitive car against experienced drivers, it would create great stories," said Wolff.
"But we've had quite some pushback for the idea, for reasons that I respect.
"That would mean there are three Mercedes and three Ferraris and three Red Bulls, and I respect that, if I would be involved in a smaller team, that would be an argument.
"Then the costs need to be looked at, whether it would be commercially viable to run a third car and have young drivers in that.
"I would just really enjoy it, have a third Mercedes and put Pascal in there or George or Esteban, and just see what they are able to do."
Currently Mercedes have two drivers who are on the edge of an F1 drive but unable to find a seat. Both Ocon and George Russell are regarded as being talented enough to deserve a drive but are not finding it easy to secure a seat for 2019 and beyond.