Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025, confirmed on Thursday, gives Mercedes plenty of time to replace him, but the big question is who will step into the shoes of the most successful driver of all time?
More than half the starting grid will be out of contract at the end of the season, but inevitably some stand out more than others.
Several potential candidates are not in Formula One at present and look like long-shots, but Formula One is never short of surprises.
The following looks at the possible options for Mercedes and the questions raised.
Who will take Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes?
Image: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025, confirmed on Thursday, gives Mercedes plenty of time to replace him, but the big question is who will step into the shoes of the most successful driver of all time?
More than half the starting grid will be out of contract at the end of the season, but inevitably some stand out more than others.
Several potential candidates are not in Formula One at present and look like long-shots, but Formula One is never short of surprises.
The following looks at the possible options for Mercedes and the questions raised.
Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
CARLOS SAINZ, 29
The Spaniard whose place has been taken by Hamilton would be a straight swap. He has, however, been considered a top target for Audi, who are taking over Sauber and entering as a works team in 2026. He would be the likely number one there, and Audi have strong connections with his father who won last month's Dakar Rally with them. Would either he or Mercedes want to do a deal for one year or would he be open to a longer one?
Image: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
ALEX ALBON, 27
The ex-Red Bull driver has been a big hit with Mercedes-powered Williams, scoring all but one of their points last season and hauling them up to seventh overall. Williams are run by James Vowles, who was previously a close confidant of Mercedes principal Toto Wolff as that team's head of motorsport strategy. A deal for Albon, an old friend and rival of George Russell who also graduated from Williams, would surely be straightforward.
Image: Jakub Porzycki/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI, 17
The Italian is yet to debut in Formula Two but is considered a big talent for the future and is under contract to Mercedes. If not ready for the former champions, he might be offered to Williams to get experience.
Image: Peter Fox/Getty Images
MICK SCHUMACHER, 24
Michael Schumacher's son is the official reserve. His seasons with Haas were difficult and he is on the roster of endurance drivers with Renault-owned Alpine. He raced for the team, his place taken by Hamilton in 2013, but he looks like a long shot compared to other options.
Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images
ESTEBAN OCON, 27
A Mercedes-backed junior driver and reserve and preparing for his eighth season in F1 and fifth with Renault/Alpine. The team rated him very highly but he may have slipped down the list of options.
Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images
VALTTERI BOTTAS, 34
Hamilton's team mate before Russell replaced the Finn, who will be out of contract at Sauber at the end of the year and whose place could go to Sainz. He knows all the people at Mercedes but a return would surely be unlikely.
Image: Mohammed Zarandah/Anadolu via Getty Images
FERNANDO ALONSO, 42
The evergreen double world champion is out of contract at Aston Martin at the end of the year but showing no sign of wanting to stop and continues to look highly competitive.
Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SEBASTIAN VETTEL, 36
Could Germany's four-times world champion be persuaded to come out of retirement and make a comeback, just as Schumacher did in 2010? Vettel, at 36, is younger than Hamilton. He didn't entirely rule out a return when he left Aston Martin in 2022.
MORE
Hamilton to race for Ferrari from 2025 on multi-year contract
F1 rejects Andretti bid to enter as 11th team in 2025
Petronas says no discussions on bringing F1 back to Sepang circuit
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos