Ross Brawn is refusing to comment on Michael Schumacher's future other than to say he will not be rushed into making a decision.
Schumacher joined Mercedes at the start of the 2010 season, however, his return to Formula One has been anything but successful with just one top three result.
This year's Championship has been especially trying as while Mercedes have shown impressive pace at times the results just haven't been there for Schumacher. The German has retired from six of 11 grands prix, scoring just 29 points.
It remains to be seen whether his recent woes will inspire Schumacher to extend his stay in the hope of better things to come or result in him calling it quits for the second time.
But for now Brawn is not saying which way his driver is leaning.
"I think this is a very important decision for all the people involved," the Mercedes team boss told the official F1 website.
"We won't be rushed on the decision and when the time is appropriate we will announce what we are going to do. I don't want to increase speculation by commenting on where we are."
Brawn, though, is keen on Schumacher joining his team-mate Nico Rosberg in extending his stay at Mercedes, saying the duo work well as a partnership.
"Very professional, very committed, good attitude, speed, work very well in the team, work well together as a pairing - which is not always easy with drivers.
"I believe both are more than capable of winning races if we provide the equipment. That is all that you can ask from a driver."
