Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement at Mercedes: Speculations Rise Following Shock Ferrari Move

Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes has been the subject of intense speculation, especially after Ferrari’s surprise move. While Hamilton remains a legend in Formula 1, rumors about who could fill the driver’s seat at Mercedes are at a fever pitch.

Among the names splashed out is Fernando Alonso, who at 42 still follows the competition. The 2009 world champion, Jenson Button, expressed his desire to see Alonso at Mercedes, emphasizing not only his ability but also his dedication to the sport.

Esteban Ocon, previously linked with Mercedes as a junior and reserve driver, has also been named as Hamilton’s successor. His past relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff could be a deciding factor, especially if tensions rise at Alpine, where Ocon currently competes.

Sebastian Vettel, who will retire at the end of 2022, has not ruled out a return to F1, and his experience could be an asset for Mercedes. However, recent performances at Aston Martin have questioned its current capabilities.

A bold bet is Kimi Antonelli, a young Italian talent who is only 17 years old. As a junior Mercedes driver, Antonelli has achieved everything from karting, and his decision to jump to the Formula 3 division confirms his belief in his potential. Could Mercedes make the bold move of taking himstraight from Formula 2 in 2025?

Apart from the most recognizable names, there are outliers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Eltri Bottas. Ricciardo could be aiming for a Red Bull seat, but if not, Mercedes could be an attractive option if he puts in a good performance at Red Bull this year. As for Bottas, his return to Mercedes cannot be ruled out, especially after his suggestive posts on social media.

Mercedes’ current reserve driver Mick Schumacher is also in the equation, but a disappointing performance in 2022 could make Hamilton’s immediate replacement difficult.

As the F1 driver market shakes up, Mercedes’ choice to replace Lewis Hamilton will be one of the most anticipated moments. The team must balance experience with consistency with youth, talent in search of the right driver to continue their quest for the title.