Who will replace you at Mercedes in 2025? That’s the question all F1 fans are repeating after the surprise announcement of Hamilton signing for Ferrari in 2025. At the end of this season (starting anyway) many drivers are out of contract and looking to get the free wheel. most expected at the moment, in one of the most powerful teams in F1, who will fight to improve in the coming years to be at the top, and above all, who can be one of the safest assets to have a winning car that with the arrival of the new regulations of 2026. The rumors have just begun.
Lewis’ departure could generate a lot of movement in a very open market. Mercedes has many options.
1
Carlos Sainz
Among the drivers without a contract is Carlos Sainz, who has long been strongly associated with the Audi project, which will enter F1 in 2026 with the Sauber structure. Betting on them in 2025 would mean a year away from the podiums and see how long Audi has to be at the top from 2026. But on the other hand, Carlos could be a good choice for Mercedes. Very reliable driver, very fast, a good worker, who can add something more to the team with his capacity for development and basic search for car adjustments. It can also fit Mercedes perfectly.
2
Is Alonso an option?
The Brackley team have lost a mega star. If you want to replace it with another of the same caliber, there are only two names left on the grid: Verstappen and Alonso. Max has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and drives the dominant car, so this is not an option. And Fernando Alonso reiterated his desire to continue with Aston Martin to achieve success. The most normal thing is that he continues to lead the ambitious project of the green team, of which he is the center and pillar. But in F1 there is no denying, especially because of the unexpected and unique possibility to aim for one of the best drivers with George Russell with whom he has a good relationship.
3
Wolff excludes no one
In a press conference, Toto Wolff, head of the Mercedes team, said yesterday that he will take time to decide who will be Russell’s partner in 2025. He did not close any doors. “I always like changes because they give you opportunities. I really want to make the right decision for the team. Maybe it’s an opportunity to do something bold,” said the Austrian, Team Principal of Mercedes.
“There is an exciting situation at the end of 2024 with some drivers available, others just signed and could be opportunities,” he stressed. So he regrets not seeking the services of two of the best candidates: Norris and Leclerc, who renewed a week before Hamilton announced his farewell. Mercedes will have to find alternatives.
4
Russell’s second driver?
“The pilot market is very interesting. We have to look to the future. “What is the best combination with George?” he asked, highlighting that Russell (25 years old) has “the potential to become the leader of Mercedes”, a phrase that opens up the option of a driver who arrives with a lower profile than Alonso ..
5
Ocon, Albon or others
Albon also stands out there, now at Williams, a Mercedes client team. And Esteban Ocon, who ended his contract with Alpine and (surprise!) his manager is Wolff.
6
Vettel’s crazy rumours
An unlikely comeback for Vettel also sounded. I asked Wolff if he had spoken to the German and he said yes, but about other things. Vettel should not be an option.
7
Kimi Antonelli, lacks experience
And we shouldn’t exclude the events that make the game crazy. For several years, Mercedes’ bet was clear: the 17-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli (17 years old), who makes his F2 debut this year. A priori, that challenge is too early for him
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
