Williams chief executive Toto Wolff is expected to be confirmed in a similar position within Mercedes' motorsport operation in the next few days.
The Austrian, who replaced Adam Parr at the head of the Grove team a few months into 2012, is apparently being lined up as the successor to Norbert Haug, who stepped down from leading the competition arm at Mercedes at the end of last season. The role would encompass both F1 and DTM, as well as the Three Pointed Star's other racing activities.
Mercedes has yet to confirm the appointment, and insists that it will not comment on speculation, but Germany's
Sport Bild insists that the deal is done. The only complication could arise with Wolff's shareholding in the
Williams team, although the
BBC suggests that it would be possible for him to retain it while running Mercedes' motorsport division. Wolff, whose
Williams shareholding is thought to be around 20 per cent, also holds a stake in Mercedes'
DTM partner HWA.
Williams is currently powered by
Renault engines.
The 41-year old, whose wife Susie's maiden F1 run with
Williams led to speculation that she could become the team's regular tester, is the latest addition to Mercedes' renewed push for F1 success, following the appointment of Niki Lauda as non-executive chairman, and the arrival of
Lewis Hamilton to partner
Nico Rosberg on the driving front.