Hamilton, a seven-time world champion in Components One, has spent the previous decade with Mercedes. That is the second sudden crew change of his profession — his transfer from his debut crew McLaren to Mercedes in 2013 was equally surprising.
Hamilton’s departure leaves an open seat at Mercedes for the top of 2024. With greater than half of the F1 grid out of contract at the moment, nearly anybody might conceivably be employed as his substitute. However who’re the probably figures to companion with George Russell?
Kimi Antonelli: Informal F1 followers could not know Antonelli’s identify, however they may quickly. The 17-year-old prospect has pushed for Mercedes’ youth crew since 2019 and can make his debut in Components 2 this season. If Antonelli wins F2 — and he’s extensively predicted to take action — he is a shoo-in for the empty Hamilton seat. He’ll be simply 18 at the beginning of his senior Mercedes profession — the identical age celebrity Max Verstappen was when he locked in his future with Crimson Bull.
However what if Mercedes needs a senior driver as an alternative of a junior one? Enter…
Fernando Alonso: F1’s gleeful villain can be an ideal match for the empty Mercedes seat. He is had a superb begin to his Aston Martin profession however is thought to be pissed off with the crew’s growth tempo. Mercedes can be a brand new problem and a higher-profile model for the Spanish legend. Mercedes hasn’t been with out at the least one world champion since its F1 return within the early 2010s. Alonso, together with his two, would hold that streak alive for an additional few seasons.
However might Alonso’s calls for be an issue for Mercedes? If that’s the case, the crew may think about…
Carlos Sainz: Sainz is the obvious selection to exchange Hamilton. His arrival would imply a straight swap between Mercedes and Ferrari and no hanging empty seats elsewhere within the grid. Sainz is a revered driver with a number of race wins beneath his belt and a vibrant future. He additionally brings a savvy crew to the desk, together with his father, motorsport legend and present Dakar Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr.
However there’s one downside for Sainz: he is recognized to keep in touch with Audi a couple of potential seat in its pending Alfa Romeo takeover. If Sainz chooses Audi over Mercedes, the crew may do nicely to contemplate…
Alex Albon: Maybe probably the most beloved younger driver on the grid, Albon got here up by means of Crimson Bull’s youth system and put in a creditable shift as Verstappen’s teammate earlier than transferring to Williams in 2022. He is been lightning-quick at Williams and has advanced into fairly the chief, with crew principal James Vowles and teammate Logan Sargeant praising him. Followers have been clamoring for Albon to return to a high crew after what many deemed his “unfair” dismissal from Crimson Bull, and Mercedes might present that chance.
However Albon and Williams are constructing one thing particular — he could not need to go away the challenge. If that is the case, Mercedes might need to contemplate…
Esteban Ocon or Mick Schumacher: Take into account them the final resort. Each are former Mercedes youth prospects and managed by Mercedes crew principal Toto Wolff early on of their careers. That connection offers them a leg up over stronger, extra certified drivers on the grid.
Esteban, nonetheless, was soundly crushed by his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly final season, whereas Mick was dropped from Haas in 2022 after failing to seek out race-day consistency. Neither driver would excite or encourage the Mercedes fan base, even when each would leap on the alternative to strive.
