Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari for the upcoming season has caused a stir in the world of Formula 1. According to Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle, Mercedes may have their eyes on Esteban Ocon, a driver from Alpine, for the 2025 season. Toto Wolff, the team principal, is particularly interested in Ocon as a potential replacement for Hamilton, who will be leaving at the end of the current season. Brundle mentioned the possibility of Ocon making a significant career leap to partner with George Russell in the future during the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.
Hamilton’s surprising transfer to Ferrari has not only shaken up the Formula 1 paddock but has also intensified the already turbulent driver market for the 2024 season. Prior to this, the off-season was relatively calm, with much of the attention focused on Guenther Steiner’s departure from Haas. However, Hamilton’s unexpected move has changed the landscape, especially considering the number of drivers whose contracts will be expiring. With Mercedes’ decade of success, Wolff will have a wide pool of talented drivers to choose from to fill Hamilton’s shoes. The spot alongside George Russell is particularly coveted, assuming Sergio Perez remains at Red Bull.
Brundle now speculates that Ocon, who has connections to Mercedes, could be a potential candidate for a move in 2025. As Ocon enters the final year of his contract with Alpine and after a lackluster season for the French team, he may not be eager to extend his current deal. Brundle discussed Mercedes’ options for the upcoming season and suggested that they may want to see how Andrea Kimi Antonelli performs before making a decision. However, he believes that they have their eyes on Ocon.
Alpine has expressed their commitment to providing Ocon and his teammate Pierre Gasly with a more competitive car this season. Ocon, who also has aspirations to compete in Le Mans, maintains strong ties to Mercedes from his time in their academy. Although Ocon’s potential signing may not generate immediate excitement due to his somewhat unremarkable performance in 2023, which only included a podium finish in Monaco, circumstances could change in the coming months. Ocon may be hopeful that Brundle’s prediction comes true, as it would offer him the opportunity to race for Mercedes in 2025 and improve his chances of securing more victories in Formula 1.
According to the Source formula1news.co.uk