Pascal Wehrlein has played down claims that he could keep his racing career alive in Formula E next year.

This week, it was reported that with Ferrari looking to make Sauber their junior team in 2018, the Mercedes-backed Wehrlein is likely to be shown the door.

"I have scored all five points," the 22-year-old told Bild newspaper, "and in qualifying it is 8:2 for me against [Marcus] Ericsson. What more can I do?"

Reports have suggested that Wehrlein could return to DTM, where he won the title in 2015, but Mercedes are pulling out of the German touring car series after 2018.

"I got a message shortly before the announcement as I know some people at HWA," said the German. "I think it's not a simple situation."

The reports suggested that Formula E - Mercedes's next destination - could be another alternative for Wehrlein.

However, Wehrlein insisted: "I like noise, performance and fuel. I cannot even imagine racing in Formula E."

Yet Formula E is becoming ever more popular, especially among car manufacturers who see the future of motoring with electric power.

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne said: "I have been speaking about Formula E with Toto Wolff, but I cannot imagine Ferrari going straight there.

"But we are considering entering a brand of the FCA (Fiat Chrysler), although which brand has not yet been determined."

Wehrlein's boss, meanwhile, warned the current Sauber driver not to get too down about the current rumours of his F1 demise.

"There are many movements on the market," Mercedes chief Wolff said. "In the next two weeks, a few interesting things could happen."

The current F1 season resumes on August 27 with the Belgian Grand Prix.