Lewis Hamilton’s surprising announcement to depart from Mercedes has left team principal Toto Wolff in shock. Now, Wolff faces the daunting task of finding a replacement driver for the team, with limited options available.
Hamilton, a seven-time champion, has been a key figure at Mercedes since joining in 2013. His six championships with the team have solidified his status as one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history. His departure to Ferrari has presented a difficult decision for both him and Wolff.
Wolff had always believed that Hamilton would finish his career at Mercedes, but now finds himself in a challenging position due to the driver’s late decision to leave. While there are numerous options on the table, Wolff has yet to determine the best candidate for the second seat.
Losing a seven-time champion is a significant blow for Mercedes, and finding a suitable replacement is no easy task. Even for someone as experienced as Wolff, the search for a new driver presents a considerable challenge.
Carlos Sainz appears to be a logical choice to replace Hamilton, considering he is also taking over the same role at Ferrari. However, other options such as Fernando Alonso, who continues to perform impressively in his 40s, are also being considered. Ultimately, Wolff will wait to see how these potential candidates perform before making a decision.
Young drivers like Mick Schumacher and Kimi Antonelli may also be considered for the position, although selecting either of them would be seen as a bold move. Only time will reveal who will ultimately join George Russell in the 2025 driver lineup for Mercedes.