Thursday’s affirmation of Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari for 2025 offers Mercedes with ample time to seek out his substitute.
The essential query now’s figuring out the successor to probably the most profitable driver of all time.
With over half of the present beginning grid dealing with contract expiration on the season’s finish, some drivers naturally stand out as potential candidates.
However, a number of promising contenders should not at the moment a part of Formula One, presenting sudden 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 of a high goal for Audi, which is taking up Sauber and getting into as a works staff 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 staff’s head of motorsport technique. A deal for Albon, an previous buddy and rival of George Russell who additionally graduated from Williams, would certainly 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 may be supplied to Williams to realize expertise.
Mick Schumacher, 24
Michael Schumacher’s son is the official reserve. His seasons with Haas had been tough, and he’s now on the roster of endurance drivers with Renault-owned Alpine. Mick appears to be like like a protracted 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 staff rated him very extremely, however he could have slipped down the listing 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 certainly be unlikely.
Fernando Alonso, 42
The evergreen double world champion is out of contract at Aston Martin on the finish of the yr however reveals no signal of desirous to cease and nonetheless appears to be like 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 totally rule out a return when he left Aston Martin in 2022.
Source: www.dailysabah.com