Just as Formula 1 fans were settling into the belief that the 2024 season would offer no wild ‘silly season’ surprises, the sport once again proved its penchant for providing the unexpected.
In a twist that few could have fathomed, Lewis Hamilton has announced his move to Mercedes starting from the 2025 season.
This revelation seemed like something out of the realm of imagination, akin to the most sensational scenarios concocted in Formula 1 simulator video games.
Yet, here we are, witnessing the departure of the seven-time world champion, the revered 39-year-old who first captivated audiences with McLaren and then reigned supreme with Mercedes, bids farewell to the Brackley-based outfit in favour of perennial rivals, Scuderia Ferrari.
In the wake of this seismic announcement, Mercedes now finds itself in a frantic scramble to secure an ideal successor to the legendary champion.
Amidst a flurry of speculation surrounding potential candidates for the vacant Mercedes seat, FLOS spotlights the contenders who may step into Hamilton’s shoes at the German constructor.
Drivers who could replace Hamilton at Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
A potential move for Carlos Sainz presents a compelling opportunity for Mercedes. The Spaniard brings a wealth of experience that, if harnessed effectively with the right car, could translate into a World Drivers’ Championship.
Mercedes could find reassurance in the prospect of securing Sainz, who possesses remarkable racing acumen and strategic prowess, as evidenced by his impactful performances at McLaren and Ferrari. One unforgettable moment that underscores his influence was the Marina Bay circuit race in Singapore in 2023, where his skill and strategy led to Ferrari’s first victory in over a year.
In considering potential driver pairings, Toto Wolff and the Mercedes leadership might favour the idea of pairing Sainz with George Russell. This pairing not only ensures a strong driver lineup, but also provides a blend of experience and talent that could elevate Mercedes’ challenge for the drivers’ championship against the current front runners in the industry- Red Bull Racing.
It’s worth noting that following his win at the Australian Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver expressed his desire for a seat in the 2025 season. Despite undergoing appendicitis surgery during the season, Sainz remains the only driver to have podium finishes in all races he has participated in. Additionally, he holds the impressive distinction of being the only non-Red Bull driver to claim victory since Red Bull’s dominant 2023 season.
Fernando Alonso
The 42-year-old driver has been identified by Mercedes chief, Toto Wolff, as one contender being considered to replace Hamilton.
Currently driving for Aston Martin, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. While negotiations are underway to extend his stay with the Silverstone-based team, the Spanish driver has always acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future.
The prospect of the two-time drivers’ champion joining Mercedes appears promising, given the wealth of experience he would bring to the Brackley-based outfit.
Often dubbed the “wily old fox,” Alonso boasts a wealth of experience that commands respect. Known for his ability to excel in a team setting, as well as his knack for extracting the maximum performance from a racing car, the 42-year-old would be a valuable addition to Mercedes.
Russell and all other Mercedes drivers would undoubtedly benefit from Alonso’s inclusion, ensuring the continuation of the wealth of experience the team enjoyed with Hamilton at the helm.
Kimi Antonelli
The 17-year-old prodigy is being hailed as the most promising talent to emerge from any Formula Junior series since Max Verstappen burst onto the scene in 2015.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has openly expressed his desire to see the young Italian in a Mercedes cockpit for the 2025 season.
However, the prospect of replacing Hamilton with a rookie is seen as a significant gamble, especially given Mercedes’ current need for immediate and consistent results. While the Prema Racing whizkid is undoubtedly a future prospect in Formula 1, appointing him to replace Hamilton at such a young age could prove counterproductive, particularly considering the intense scrutiny and pressure that would accompany his appointment. However, who says Antonelli cannot recreate the ultimate rookie story as previously witnessed in Formula 1?
Sebastian Vettel
The former four-time drivers’ champion is among the numerous names linked not just to a return to Formula 1, but also to the vacant Mercedes seat.
The former Red Bull driver brings an incredible wealth of experience that would be valuable to any team on the grid.
The 36-year-old remains the only driver endorsed by Hamilton himself to replace him at Mercedes. Adding fuel to the speculation surrounding his return to F1, the former BMW Sauber driver disclosed that he has been in contact with the Mercedes hierarchy since the start of the season.
It remains to be seen if these discussions will lead to Vettel making a return to the sport.
