Mercedes Eyes Potential Replacements for Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes is set to lose seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join Ferrari at the end of the season. Here are the details:
Max Verstappen Top Choice for Mercedes
According to team boss Toto Wolff, Max Verstappen would be the top choice for Mercedes as a possible replacement for Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Despite having a contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen’s future at the team is uncertain due to issues between his father Jos and principal Christian Horner.
Potential Replacements
Mercedes is considering several options to fill the slot left by Hamilton’s departure. Along with Verstappen, other potential replacements mentioned by Wolff include double world champion Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and Mercedes-backed F2 rookie Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen has not ruled out a move to Mercedes in the long term but has expressed his comfort at Red Bull, referring to the team as his “second family.”
Mercedes faced challenges in the previous season, failing to secure a race win and experiencing a double retirement in Melbourne, marking their first double retirement since 2018.