Mercedes’ improved performance and the driver’s recent form, which has hinted at future success with the team, have raised questions about Lewis Hamilton’s replacement plans.
Ever since Hamilton announced that he would end his highly successful 12-season partnership with Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, the question on everyone’s mind has been who will replace the seven-time world champion.
Rumors circulating in the pits for a long time suggested that the Brit could be replaced by highly rated Mercedes young driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
It was predicted that such promotion would resemble the meteoric rise of current F1 world champion Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman took his first win for Red Bull since being promoted from the team’s junior set-up in 2016, and it was understood that Mercedes were hoping for a similar effect when promoting the young Italian next season.
Mercedes has won the last two GPs
F2 driver Kimi Antonelli crashes into Mercedes seat
Kinmi Antonille
Is it too soon?
But the 17-year-old is still striding through his maiden F2 season and has yet to set the world on fire with performances.
Despite the previous sprint victory at Silverstone, the young talent is eighth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Additionally, with Mercedes on a two-race winning streak, the team will look to carry that momentum into next year and may look for a more experienced driver to win the championship alongside George Russell. One driver with plenty of experience is Carlos Sainz, 29, who Hamilton will replace at Ferrari next year and who is still looking for a place in the sport until 2025.
Although the Spaniard has been strongly tipped to join the new Audi F1 team when the new rules come into effect in 2026, he would certainly prefer a seat with some of the more established outfits on the grid. Recent comments from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suggest the Ferrari star is still in contention for the soon-to-be vacant Brackley team spot. Wolff told Sky Sports: “I don’t want to make a quick decision. But yes, he will. If we have more time to decide, Carlos will definitely still have a chance, but Carlos has to make a decision, which he will make the other teams.
