So who should replace Hamilton at Mercedes? Sainz, Antonelli or someone else?
Evgeniy Kustov April 15, 2024, 14:00 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Do we take a beginner or experienced pilot? Or maybe a multiple world champion? Up to you!
Following the confirmation of Fernando Alonso’s new contract with Aston Martin, there are still major transfer intrigues in Formula 1. In particular, Toto Wolff has not decided who he will replace Lewis Hamilton with. The option with Alonso has disappeared, Max Verstappen does not seem like he will leave Red Bull, but the Austrian still has candidates for all tastes: different credentials, experience, nationalities… Who do you see as the ideal partner for George Russell? in 2025?
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Who should take Hamilton’s place at Mercedes?
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Nico Hulkenberg
Nico is another candidate if Mercedes needs a driver for a season or two before making room for Antonelli, Verstappen or someone else. Hulkenberg’s nationality works in his favor and Nico’s speed, especially on Saturdays, does not raise doubts.
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Esteban Ocon
The Frenchman is currently suffering at Alpin, as his contract with the team expires at the end of 2024. Let’s not forget that Ocon is a product of Mercedes, and the Germans are still associated with the driver’s management. Esteban could be a good “transitional” option, but if Ocon suddenly defeats Russell, nothing will stop the Frenchman from staying longer at Mercedes.
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Carlos Sainz
The Italian and Spanish media believe that Sainz and Mercedes have already reached an agreement, but the German media deny this information: they say that Wolf is in no hurry with the contract. At the same time, the choice in favor of Carlos would be logical: Sainz is in excellent shape, has experience working in a top-level team and has victories. In fact, the main problem is the duration of the contract: Wolff does not want to close the way for Antonelli and Verstappen, while Carlos, on the contrary, would like stability.
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli
It is no secret that Mercedes has serious plans for the Italian and hopes that in Andrea they will get their own Verstappen. It is true that the start of the season in Formula 2 does not yet show that Andrea is ready to quickly move to F1. But Antonelli still has time, both to test old Formula 1 cars and to succeed in F2. There is no doubt about the Italian’s potential; What remains to be seen is his maturity.
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Valtteri Bottas
Finn cannot be considered one of the main candidates. But if Mercedes, for example, decides that Antonelli’s time will come in a year or two, then why not go with a proven driver who has already competed for the Silver Arrows and who will at least become a reliable number two with Russell?
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Sergio Perez
Given that Red Bull is in no hurry to renew the Mexican, even in the context of a good start to the season, perhaps Mercedes should attack the stability of the Bulls’ lineup and take Checo? Wolff could offer Sergio a two-year contract while Antonelli grows.
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Sebastian Vettel
Until the vacancy is filled, pundits will return to Vettel’s candidacy from time to time. In a year and a half without F1, Sebastian rested and probably felt a little homesick for racing. Yes, Seb’s results before leaving Aston Martin were not outstanding, but maybe he will flourish again, especially if he gets a strong team in 2026?
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Michael Schumacher
Michael’s son, as Mercedes reserve driver, must be on this list. Mick knows the team very well and the marketing potential of the Schumacher-Mercedes combination is almost limitless. It is true that there are doubts about Schumacher Jr.’s results, although he spent the end of his second season at Haas with dignity, ahead of Magnussen.
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Pierre Gasly
Since Ocon is being named Mercedes’ candidate, why not pay attention to his teammate? In the 2023 season, Pierre and Esteban performed on equal terms, although for Gasly this was the first year as part of a new team and generally outside the Red Bull system. At the same time, unlike Ocon, Gasly is not seen as toxic towards his teammates.
You can also decide who will go to the “bulls”:
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Who should accompany Verstappen with the best Formula 1 car? Up to you!
