Thursday’s affirmation of Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari for 2025 gives Mercedes with ample time to search out his alternative.
The essential query now’s figuring out the successor to essentially the most profitable driver of all time.
With over half of the present beginning grid going through contract expiration on the season’s finish, some drivers naturally stand out as potential candidates.
However, a number of promising contenders aren’t presently a part of Formula One, presenting surprising prospects in a sport recognized for surprises.
The following explores the potential choices for Mercedes and the related inquiries arising from this high-profile driver change.
Carlos Sainz, 29
The Spaniard, whose place has been taken by Hamilton, could be a straight swap. However, he has been thought-about a prime goal for Audi, which is taking on Sauber and coming into as a works group in 2026. Would both he or Mercedes need to do a deal for one yr, or would he be open to an extended one?
Alex Albon, 27
The ex-Red Bull driver has been an enormous hit with Mercedes-powered Williams, scoring all however one in all their factors final season and hauling them as much as seventh total. Williams is run by James Vowles, a former shut confidant of Mercedes principal Toto Wolff because the group’s head of motorsport technique. A deal for Albon, an outdated pal and rival of George Russell who additionally graduated from Williams, would absolutely be simple.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 17
The 17-year-old Italian is but to debut in Formula Two however is taken into account an enormous expertise for the longer term and is already beneath contract to Mercedes. If not prepared for the previous champions, he could be provided to Williams to realize expertise.
Mick Schumacher, 24
Michael Schumacher’s son is the official reserve. His seasons with Haas had been troublesome, and he’s now on the roster of endurance drivers with Renault-owned Alpine. Mick seems to be like an extended shot in comparison with different choices.
Esteban Ocon, 27
A Mercedes-backed junior driver and reserve, getting ready for his eighth season in F1 and fifth with Renault/Alpine. The group rated him very extremely, however he might have slipped down the checklist of choices by now.
Valtteri Bottas, 34
Hamilton’s former teammate earlier than George Russell changed the Finn, who will probably be out of contract at Sauber on the finish of the yr, and whose place may go to Sainz. He is aware of all of the individuals at Mercedes, however a return would absolutely be unlikely.
Fernando Alonso, 42
The evergreen double world champion is out of contract at Aston Martin on the finish of the yr however exhibits no signal of desirous to cease and nonetheless seems to be extremely aggressive.
Sebastian Vettel, 36
Could Germany’s four-time world champion be persuaded to come back out of retirement and make a comeback, simply as Schumacher did in 2010? Vettel, at 36, is youthful than Hamilton. He did not fully rule out a return when he left Aston Martin in 2022.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
