Although his passage into Formula One has not been traditional and, as a result, has kept his profile low in the process, Paffett is another with the F3 Euroseries to his name, not to mention the lucrative DTM title under his belt.
Furthermore, Paffett is only marginally older than Hamilton but, crucially, has a year of experience in the McLaren-Mercedes, having become the team's official test driver ahead of this season. It is that experience that could work significantly in Paffett's favour, as Dennis traditionally avoids placing rookies in one of his cars.
At the same time though, Dennis has insisted Hamilton is ready for
Formula One, and there remains there added threat of another team attempting to take him from under McLaren's nose before it can find a seat for him.
Not that the identity of Montoya's replacement may not already be known, and for several months too. Indeed, should
Kimi Raikkonen choose to stay with
McLaren, it is the already-signed
Fernando Alonso that will be classed as Montoya's successor.
Raikkonen's future is looking increasingly clouded after an almost certain move to
Ferrari earlier in the year seems to have been made all the more complicated by a late bid from champions Renault in recent weeks. Together with McLaren attempting to maintain the services of its 'star' driver, Raikkonen looks to have the choice of prime positions.
Or does he?
Indeed, a move to Ferrari could see him partner
Michael Schumacher, who continues to deflect the 'retirement question' as ambiguously as ever. While Schumacher has welcomed his rival as a potential team-mate, it remains to be seen whether Raikkonen would be willing to play the famous 'second driver' role when required.
With that in mind, and Schumacher remaining coy on his retirement decision until September at least, Raikkonen may be forced to look further afield, in particular
Renault.
