Mercedes’ Search for a Replacement Driver: Potential Candidates
After Lewis Hamilton’s announcement that he will leave Mercedes at the end of this year, the team is faced with the task of finding a suitable replacement. Toto Wolff, the team boss, sees this as an opportunity to make a bold move. Let’s take a look at some potential candidates:
Carlos Sainz
Age: 29
Nationality: Spain
Race wins: 2
Contract status: Signed for Ferrari until the end of 2024
Sainz is a solid contender who has proven himself against tough teammates like Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen. However, Mercedes already has George Russell, a proven race winner who is four years younger than Sainz. It may be wiser for Mercedes to invest in a younger driver for the long term. Additionally, Sainz has been linked to a potential move to Audi when they join F1 as a full works team in 2026.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Age: 17
Nationality: Italy
Race wins: 0
Contract status: Mercedes junior driver
Antonelli, a prodigious talent scouted by Mercedes at the age of 11, represents the long-term future for the team. However, he is still young and inexperienced, with his first taste of car racing in Italian Formula 4 in 2021. It may be too early to promote him to F1, and Mercedes is wary of putting too much pressure on his young shoulders.
Alex Albon
Age: 27
Nationality: Thailand
Race wins: 0
Contract status: Signed for Williams until the end of 2025
Albon, a close friend of Russell, is a quick driver stuck in a lower-ranked team. However, he is under contract with Williams until the end of 2025. While contracts can be broken in F1, Williams is determined to create an environment that convinces Albon to stay. Red Bull is also interested in Albon, so his head may be turned if Sergio Pérez continues to underperform.
Fernando Alonso
Age: 42
Nationality: Spain
Race wins: 32
Contract situation: Signed for Aston Martin until the end of 2024
Alonso is a proven driver with a name that resonates around the world. He has shown his speed and ability throughout the 2023 season, finishing fourth in the championship for Aston Martin. However, his history with Mercedes, particularly the “spygate” scandal in 2007, may be a factor that prevents a Mercedes-Alonso tie-up. Additionally, he may prefer to renew his contract with Aston Martin, where he sees a path to his elusive 33rd win and third world championship.
Esteban Ocon
Age: 27
Nationality: France
Race wins: 1
Contract status: Signed for Alpine until the end of 2024
Ocon, although currently driving for Alpine, remains loosely connected to Mercedes through his management team. He was part of Mercedes’ junior program but never made the step up to the full F1 team. Whether he becomes a serious candidate will provide insight into his potential as a top-tier F1 driver.
Left-field choices
While the above candidates are the most likely choices, there are a few wilder speculations to consider. Daniel Ricciardo has expressed his desire for a Red Bull drive in 2025. Valtteri Bottas, who previously drove for Mercedes, is out of contract at the end of this year but a return seems unlikely. Mick Schumacher, Mercedes’ reserve driver, may be considered if Russell or Hamilton are unable to drive at some point this year. Sebastian Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022, could also be a surprising option.