Hamilton to Ferrari: Who Should Replace Him?
With Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes has been left with a massive seat to fill. Fortunately for the Silver Arrows, over half the grid is out of contract at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, leaving the German automotive company with a surplus of candidates to partner George Russell.
Here is a list of 5 potential candidates for the second Mercedes seat.
Carlos Sainz Jr.
The Silver Arrows could look to complete a straight driver swap for the Spaniard following the departure of Hamilton. Carlos Sainz Jr. was notably the only non-Red Bull driver to secure a grand prix victory in the 2023 season. His drive in Singapore showed his strategic skills and adaptability, which makes him a desirable asset. Seeing as he is one of the most consistent drivers on the grid, and his miraculous win at the Australian Grand Prix only 16 days after appendix surgery, Sainz will be a name many will be after in the driver market.
Sainz has said he will take time to evaluate his options before agreeing to a contract.
Fernando Alonso
Despite being 42 years of age, Fernando Alonso showed last season just how good of a racing driver he still is. Fernando Alonso would be an ideal signing for Mercedes as he brings years of experience and the championship pedigree that they are losing with the departure of Hamilton. Alonso is also known for his technical understanding and feedback which Mercedes could use with the difficulties they have faced in recent years. Alonso could also be a good mentor to George Russell along with the drivers in the Mercedes Junior Programme. He still has plenty of motivation as seen in his performances last year, and he could help bring success back to the Silver Arrows.
Alexander Albon
Following a strong display in the 2023 season, many teams will be monitoring the situation of Alex Albon. Having outqualified teammate Logan Sargeant 22-0, finishing ahead of the American in 19 of the 22 races and scoring 96% of Williams points, Alex Albon has cemented himself as a strong reliable young driver.
Mercedes could look to sign the Thai driver to partner alongside his good friend George Russell, however, James Vowles, Team Principal of Williams Racing, has stated that Albon is under contract until the end of 2025, meaning the German automotive company would likely need to pay a hefty sum on money to get Albon out of his contract.
Despite having poor results when at the high-pressure environment of Red Bull Racing, Albon has shown immense potential and growth during his time at Williams Racing and has a strong relationship with George Russell.
Esteban Ocon
Following the 2018 Formula 1 season, Esteban Ocon was left without a race seat after Lance Stroll replaced him at Racing Point. The Frenchman joined Mercedes as their reserve driver for the 2019 season as he was managed by Toto Wolff. Since his one year at Mercedes, Ocon has had 3 podiums, one of which was a grand prix victory during the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2021 where he fended off 4-time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel. Ocon has stated he has a strong relationship with Mercedes and confirmed he is still a part of the Mercedes Junior Programme during an interview following the Alpine car launch in January. Gwen Lagrue, Driver Development Advisor for Mercedes, confirmed Ocon is still linked to Mercedes, however, prior to Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, he mentioned it was unlikely Ocon would drive for the team in the near future.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Andrea Kimi Antonelli is a name that might be unknown to those not following junior racing series, however, he seems the most likely replacement for Hamilton at the moment. Following his impressive championship run in Formula Regional last year, the 17-year-old Italian, is competing in Formula 2 with PREMA Racing this season alongside Ferrari Academy driver Oliver Bearman. Antonelli has long been dubbed as one the most exciting up-and-coming talents of the next generation and is part of the Mercedes Junior Programme. The German company has put all their eggs in one basket, dropping other academy drivers to focus on the young Italian.
Despite a difficult qualifying and sprint race in Bahrain, Antonelli was able to score his first point of the season in the feature race following his drive from P17 to P10, while also securing his first front round for the feature race in Australia. Toto Wolff has confirmed Antonelli is set to test the Mercedes W13 later this season while also admitting that Hamilton’s short-term was due to his fears of losing Antonelli to a rival team.
