Lewis Hamilton has disclosed his suggestion for his alternative at Mercedes, as the choice on who will accomplice George Russell subsequent season stays undecided.
Earlier than the present marketing campaign commenced, the seven-time F1 champion affirmed his transfer to Ferrari for the upcoming yr, concluding a outstanding 12-season tenure with Mercedes, marked by six championship titles and eight constructors’ championships.
Hypothesis about potential successors to Hamilton has circulated amongst varied drivers on the F1 grid, together with Alexander Albon, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and even Max Verstappen.
Amongst these contenders, Verstappen, the Crimson Bull driver, has emerged as a outstanding candidate. Nevertheless, current developments have seen Albon and Alonso securing contracts with Williams and Aston Martin, respectively.
Regardless of Verstappen‘s current contract with Crimson Bull till 2028, rumors linking him to Mercedes have intensified.
Experiences recommend that considerations about Adrian Newey’s departure and uncertainties surrounding the staff’s competitiveness post-2026 rules are components influencing Verstappen’s purported curiosity in a transfer.
Contrarily, Hamilton advocates for a closer-to-home resolution, suggesting Mercedes think about selling a junior driver from inside their ranks. He particularly talked about Kimi (Andrea Antonelli), a present F2 driver, as a viable candidate for the function.
In Hamilton’s personal phrases, “Actually, I don’t know what Toto’s plans are, however I believe for me, taking up the teen. If it have been my job, my function, I’d tackle Kimi [Andrea Antonelli].”
It’s broadly speculated that Mercedes’ selections for the upcoming season boil right down to Sainz and Antonelli. Rumors swirl across the Spaniard, who contemplates his future amidst purported curiosity from Mercedes, whereas Antonelli can also be linked to a possible F1 debut with Williams, echoing Russell’s trajectory.
Experiences recommend that Mercedes has prolonged a one-year contract provide to Sainz, with an choice for a second season. Nevertheless, it’s understood that the 29-year-old seeks higher contractual safety, preferring a two-plus-one association.
Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari, alongside Charles Leclerc’s long-term dedication, successfully displaced Sainz from the Scuderia, prompting him to pursue alternatives for 2025.
Consequently, hypothesis a couple of potential transfer to Audi has intensified. Regardless of purported curiosity from Mercedes, a transition to Stake F1, alongside Nico Hulkenberg, seems probably the most possible situation.
Outgoing Mercedes driver Hamilton believes in Sainz’s capabilities, no matter his subsequent vacation spot. “I believe Carlos [Sainz] is a good driver, so I believe wherever he goes, I believe he could be a constructive for any staff,” remarked the 39-year-old.
