The motorsport world is in shock as Lewis Hamilton announced his exit from the Mercedes F1 Team after the 2024 season. He will represent them throughout the 2024 season and join Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton will be replacing Carlos Sainz and racing alongside Charles Leclerc.
This concludes that Mercedes needs a driver to race alongside George Russell in 2025 and the upcoming seasons. Will it be Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Alexander Albon, or other drivers? So, let us look at the options Mercedes has for Hamilton’s seat in 2025.
Before we find out the options, let us look at the drivers’ contracts that will expire after the 2024 season.
F1 driver whose contract expires after the 2024 season
- Sergio Perez
- Fernando Alonso
- Carlos Sainz
- Esteban Ocon
- Pierre Gasly
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Kevin Magnussen
- Nico Hulkenberg
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Yuki Tsunoda
- Daniel Riccardo
A total of 13 drivers on the grid will be out of contract after the 2024 season unless they sign a new contract. But all 13 drivers don’t suit Lewis Hamilton as a perfect replacement.
In case you missed: Toto Wolff talks about Lewis Hamilton’s exit from Mercedes after 2024
Hamilton’s Replacement Options for the Mercedes F1 Team
Following is the list of drivers we think are the top five picks for the Mercedes F1 Team as Hamilton’s replacement.
1. Sergio Perez
The Red Bull Racing Team may not renew Sergio Perez’s contract if he fails to perform in the 2024 season. He was informed earlier by the team that if he doesn’t perform consistently, his seat might be in danger.
This might be a blessing in disguise for Mercedes, as Perez is an experienced racer with a winning mindset.
2. Carlos Sainz
As Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz, Mercedes might sign Sainz for a few seasons. Sainz has performed impressively for Ferrari but has to exit after the 2024 season. As a result, Sainz might be a perfect option as Hamilton’s replacement.
Also read:Â Was the 2024 F1 season the worst for Sergio Perez? Does he deserve the Red Bull seat?
3. Fernando Alonso
Last season, Alonso showed his caliber to fight for the championship and had multiple podium finishes. His contract with Aston Martin will expire in 2024, and Mercedes would like to pitch him. Alonso is an experienced racer and wants to win the championship.
4. Alexander Albon
The Williams racer has impressed everyone with his performances. He has single-handedly carried the Williams F1 Team and needs a better car to compete for the F1 Championship. He is young and fast, and Mercedes might think of him as a future option.
5. Mick Schumacher
The former Haas racing driver was the reserve driver for Mercedes in the 2024 season. He has worked around them for a year, and the 2024 season will be the second. The team might like him to partner with George Russell and think of him as a future option.
Read more:Â Red Bull or Mercedes? Where will Carlos Sainz join for the 2025 season?
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