formula 1
Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025?
Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton will drive for Ferrari from 2025. photo
© Denes Erdos/AP/dpa
Lewis Hamilton is starting to move the chairs in Formula 1. Because the record champion is drawn to Ferrari, Mercedes needs a replacement from 2025. The successor candidates also include German drivers.
“We accept Lewis’ decision to take on a new challenge and at the same time we have exciting opportunities for the future,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. He can now examine several options at his leisure. There are also former world champions among them.
Sebastian Vettel (36): The four-time world champion had enough at the end of 2022. After two disappointing years with Aston Martin, Vettel was happy to have more time for his family and his own plans, without the strict schedule of Formula 1 life. But Mercedes could be attractive for the privateer. Vettel’s idol Michael Schumacher also returned to Formula 1 with the factory team from 2010 to 2012. “You can never rule out something like that, but at some point the time will be over,” said Vettel last year about a comeback. Most recently he had flirted with getting involved in the World Endurance Championships.
Mick Schumacher (24): The son of record world champion Michael Schumacher is already under contract with Mercedes – but as a replacement driver. Like in 2023. Otherwise, Mick Schumacher will still be active for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship this year. He was recently able to learn from Hamilton and George Russell and was also praised for his valuable work in the simulator. Schumacher recently assured that he wanted to prove to those responsible in Formula 1 “that I still deserve a chance in the premier class of motorsport and that I belong here.” Movement in the driver market can only be good for the former Formula 2 champion.
Fernando Alonso (42): Hardly any Formula 1 driver is as fast as the Spaniard, hardly anyone as clever. Even at 42, Alonso is still chasing the dream of his third World Cup title. The start with Aston Martin was promising, but from the middle of the season the Mercedes-powered car was increasingly left behind. Nevertheless, Alonso made it to fourth place in the World Cup standings. Does Aston Martin show title potential in 2024? At least the headstrong Asturian gets along with George Russell. Alonso celebrated New Year’s Eve with the Brit and his girlfriend Carmen, among others.
Carlos Sainz (29): The Spaniard would be free from 2025. But is Carlos Sainz the right person for the former industry leader Mercedes? In three years at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, he has not been able to position himself as an alpha driver. Former Mercedes pupil Esteban Ocon (27) from Alpine would be another possible candidate. Team boss Toto Wolff once saw the Frenchman as a “superstar of the future”.
Or will Mercedes itself create sensational news? With Max Verstappen (26), for example? Wolff naturally appreciates the three-time world champion. But Verstappen drives for industry leader Red Bull – and still has a contract until the end of 2028. The highly talented Lando Norris (24) is also likely to be in the draw. The Englishman recently signed a new long-term contract with McLaren, but the connection to Woking is short. Because the British buy engines from Mercedes.