Formula Focus

Who could possibly fill the shoes of the 7x world champion, who is now turning red? 

With Hamilton leaving his seat at Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season, the golden opportunity comes for a driver to fill the vacancy. But, who will be honoured with the drive for Mercedes in 2025?  Will it be a familiar face, a new and upcoming star, or a plot-twist that nobody saw coming? Here’s some of the f1 fan’s favourites. 

ALEXANDER ALBON: 

(photo credits: formula1.com)

Alex Albon looks to be a fan favourite to become the next to join the Silver Arrows. Albon joined F1 in 2019 with Toro Rosso, but was swiftly promoted to RedBull Racing after only 12 races with the sister team. Despite his impressive start, Albon lost his RedBull seat in 2021 and took a year out of the sport, returning to replace George Russell at Williams. Albon has shown great skill in the Williams, despite their sometimes-uncompetitive car, often making appearances in Q3. With the close partnership between the two teams, William’s drivers have often been promoted into the Mercedes seat. For example, Nico Rosberg, George Russell and Valterri Bottas were all former William’s drivers before their time in the Silver Arrows. Furthermore, George Russell and Alex Albon are very good friends, with Russell even suggesting Albon to replace him at Williams. Therefore, both of these reasons are why many fans think that Alex Albon would be likely to become the next Mercedes driver. 

FERNANDO ALONSO: 

(photo credits: formula1.com)

Fernando Alonso is no stranger to Formula One and being in a winning team. With his very long career, Alonso’s experience is unmatched and would be highly beneficial to a team like Mercedes, after all he is a 2x Word Champion. Furthermore, the Spaniard’s contract comes to an end, just in time for him to be able to take up the Mercedes seat in 2025. Alonso has drove for several teams throughout his career, some including Ferrari, McLaren and Renault. It’s safe to say that Alonso’s CV is one to be impressed by. With his drive in Aston Martin not going as well as he’d perhaps have hoped, 2025 would be the golden chance to revive his career and show that even as the oldest driver on the grid- he can still prove himself in a top 3 team like Mercedes. 

CARLOS SAINZ:  

 (photo credits: formula1.com)

The current Ferrari driver, whose contract has not been renewed is now left without a seat, as the Scuderia makes room for Lewis Hamilton. However, will Mercedes and Ferrari simply swap their drivers? It’s a frequent thought that many F1 fans have speculated. It’s safe to say that Sainz is not a driver who should be underrated and should certainly be considered for the seat in 2025. Sainz, who initially joined the F1 grid in 2015, has won 2 races and had 19 podiums in his career. He was also the only non-RedBull driver to win in 2023, showing his potential and success within the sport so far. The Spaniard is adored by fans and they would be devastated to see the driver lose a chance to drive in the 2025 season. Mercedes, however, could be his perfect chance to secure his place in F1. With Mercedes down a driver, as Sainz in need of a team, these two could go together like two peas in a pod.

KIMI ANTONELLI:  

(photo credits: fiaformula2.com)

Antonelli is a strong potential driver for Mercedes in 2025. The young 17-year-old has already had an incredible career at such a young age, winning the 2022 Italian F4 Championship and various single seaters in the 2023 season. Antonelli has been so impressive, he has now completely skipped F3 and now takes part in F2 with Prema Racing, partnering Ollie Bearman in the 2024 season. Moreover, Antonelli has been signed with the Mercedes Junior Team since 2019, which would give the young Italian the perfect pathway into the seat in 2025. At such a young age, Kimi has accomplished so much, and it is looking highly likely that he will make it to F1 in the near future. However, would Mercedes give a chance to such an inexperienced driver, and throw him into the deep end, by putting him immediately into a Championship chasing team? Or is it more likely he would go to a team, such as Williams initially? 

MAX VERSTAPPEN: 

(photo credits: formula1.com)

A plot twist that no one would have seen coming would be if the current World Champion, Max Verstappen, would leave his home of many years- RedBull Racing- to join his rivals from the 2021 season. From one top team to another, it would certainly be entertaining to see what Verstappen could accomplish in the Silver Arrows. However, Verstappen is currently contracted to RedBull until 2028 and he seems rather dedicated to the team. Whereas Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff seemed rather interested in having the Dutch World Champion join the team by stating, “I’d love to have him” when asked on the possibility of signing Verstappen. This would be a huge signing that would shake the F1 world, causing a variety of emotions on all sides. Though it seems unlikely, as we’ve seen before, anything is possible within the motorsport world. 

The future of Mercedes is still undecided. The question of who will accompany George Russell from 2025 is still ongoing, and there is a seat still up for grabs. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what Mercedes do with their vacancy.  

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