Mercedes Advised to Make Bold Move in Replacing Hamilton

Toto Wolff has been told that Andrea Kimi Antonelli, considered an “absolute superstar”, would be the ideal replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. With Hamilton set to move to Ferrari in early 2025, Mercedes are looking for a new driver. Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has suggested young Prema Racing driver Antonelli should be considered. The 17-year-old will make his F2 debut this year.

Palmer stressed the importance of bold decisions and suggested that if Antonelli is to shine in Formula 2, Mercedes should take a risk and put him on the grid. He highlighted the current lack of new drivers on the F1 grid and encouraged teams to focus on promising talent.

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff says he will be in no rush to pick Hamilton’s replacement and he is considering a bold move. With the 2024 season approaching and Hamilton’s retirement, Mercedes have a number of options including Alex Albon and George Russell. Wolff emphasized that Russell, now in his third season with the team, will be a team leader. Hamilton’s departure will ensure all of the limelight falling on Russell only. Now it’s a very big boots for the young and talented Briton. But George Russell really has the talent to go the distance.

Hamilton’s departure has opened up a coveted position at Mercedes and will give Wolff time to research candidates before making a decision. He expressed his full support for Russell, pointing out the British rider’s strong start and ability. Wolff did not count on the second chairman’s bold decisions, emphasizing that a contract is only as good as the parties want it to be.

The dynamics of the Mercedes team will change and the challenge will be finding a suitable partner for Russell next season. The 2024 season promises to be full of changes and strategic decisions, and F1 fans are eagerly awaiting the next changes in the driver market.