On Thursday 1 February, the news of the agreement between the 7-time world champion and the Scuderia di Maranello generated great dismay and surprise. Lewis Hamilton will drive for Ferrari starting in 2025, but who will be his replacement in Mercedes?
Complicated situation at Mercedes
It's official, Lewis Hamilton will be a Ferrari driver starting from 2025. The news, which arrived as an indiscretion on the morning of February 1st, found certainty when the Mercedes team, at 20.00 pm Italian time, announced the separation from the English rider at the end of the season. A few minutes later it was up to the Red team to communicate theHamilton's arrival in Maranello.
The love story, which has now come to an end, between Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton is full of successes: 6 world titles won for the number #44 and 8 constructors' titles for the Brackley team. Hamilton's departure raises a question: Will Mercedes be able to love again? Paraphrasing: Who will be his replacement starting from 2025?
Mercedes, who can be Hamilton's replacement from 2025?
Il renewal just signed by Leclerc and the contract extended until 2028 for Max Verstappen means that the circle of consolidated names, from which Mercedes will be able to draw with a view to 2025, is narrowing. The Silver Stars will certainly have taken Piastri and Norris into consideration, but both are tied to McLaren until at least the end of 2026.
Which driver could become Hamilton's replacement at Mercedes from 2025? A name that would answer this question is that of the Williams driver, Alexander albon. Since his return to the top category he has grown a lot, especially in the 2023 season, where he achieved excellent results on the track – but also to Fantasy F1. He scored 27 of the 28 points they have allowed WIlliams to place in seventh position in the manufacturers' standings.
Mick Schumacher, reserve driver for the English team from 2023, could take the place of the 7-time world champion. Mick's adventure as an official rider lasted 2 years, nevertheless the same Toto Wolff had bet on him, calling him a serious guy, with a calm approach and ready to learn and improve as a driver.
The list of names continues
The list of possible names does not stop of drivers who could become Hamilton's replacement at the wheel of Mercedes from 2025. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is one of them. He has not yet made his debut in Formula 2 after the jump from the FRECA category, but there is already talk of his future in Formula 1. Although there are precedents for the debuts of underage drivers, such as that of Raikkonen and Verstappen, Kimi will land in 2025 in Mercedes does not appear to respect the policy regarding junior drivers of the stable itself.
Just think of George Russell, who after winning the F2 title moved to Formula 1, but driving one of the two Williams and remained there for 3 years before advancing to Mercedes. If Antonelli achieves excellent results, it cannot be ruled out that the Brackley team could carry out the same maneuver implemented with Russell.
The latest name to emerge is that of Esteban Ocon. The French pilot appears to be still linked to Mercedes, as stated by Gwen Lagrue recently. Ocon was third driver for the Silver Stars in 2019, before signing with Renault. This never-dissolved bond will truly bring number #31 to England for fill the seat abandoned by Lewis Hamilton?
