Hamilton to Ferrari: which F1 driver will succeed him at Mercedes?

Meanwhile, rumours are circulating that Hamilton will switch to the Scuderia this year. That scenario is unlikely, as both he and Carlos Sainz still have current contracts until the end of 2024. Not only for Hamilton and Sainz but also for other contenders for Hamilton's seat. Contracts everywhere would have to be opened up to make this happen. Therefore, in this article, we look at the options for the 2025 F1 season.

Carlos Sainz

The first name that comes to mind is the one Ferrari will dismiss if the rumours are true: Sainz. There may be a switch, and the Spaniard will go to Mercedes, but the German team is not his only option. There has been frequent talk of a possible future at Audi when the team take over from Sauber in 2026.

That could mean Sainz leaving a year earlier for the team that will still go through life as Stake F1 for the next two years. There, however, Sainz would mainly drive at the back, and the question is whether he is comfortable with such a relegation. Another possibility is Red Bull Racing: many drivers like the seat next to Max Verstappen, and Sainz is no stranger to the Red Bull family.

Alex Albon

Alexander Albon also sees his contract at Williams expire after 2024. The British Thai has done nothing but impress since his comeback in Formula 1 and can certainly be seen as a realistic option for a move to Mercedes.

Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon currently drives for Alpine, but not long ago, it became clear that the Frenchman still has ties with Mercedes. As his contract also expires after this year, he can certainly be seen as an option for the German racing team.

Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez's contract at Red Bull expires after this year, so the Mexican could be an option for Toto Wolff's team. However, Perez did not have a flawless season despite eventual second place in the championship. In addition, the question is whether Mercedes wants a young talent or, on the contrary, an experienced driver alongside Russell.

Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher also still maintains strong ties with Mercedes. The son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher will compete in the WEC on behalf of Alpine in 2024 but remains active as a reserve driver for Mercedes. This could just be a chance for the young German to get off the reserve bench.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Still only 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli is seen as a major up-and-coming talent. However, he must first prove himself in Formula 2, where he debuted this year after skipping Formula 3. He also has yet to get his super licence. Should he immediately impress in his first year, it remains to be seen whether Mercedes would dare to bring him straight to the factory team. Another possibility - if he is brought to F1 in 2025 - is to put him at Williams in his first years and bring Albon to Mercedes.

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso at Mercedes: it might be hard to imagine, but certainly not impossible. If his old rival Hamilton leaves the team, the two-time world champion may already be a bit more keen on swapping Aston Martin for the eight-time constructors' champion. At the same time, the 42-year-old Spaniard has repeatedly stated that he feels perfectly at home at Aston Martin, where he took eight podium finishes last year.

Pierre Gasly

Another driver whose contract expires after this season is Pierre Gasly. Despite Mercedes' disappointing years recently, the seat next to Russell remains extremely desirable. However, given Ocon's ties with the German team, his teammate seems more likely to get that chance.

Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo makes no bones about the fact that he has his sights set on a comeback alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. However, he is certainly not the only one after Perez's seat: Helmut Marko could opt to bring Liam Lawson straight to Red Bull in 2025, although it is likely that he will first have to prove himself for one or two seasons at sister team Visa Cash App RB (VCARB). Perez, too, wants to do everything possible to keep his seat. Should Ricciardo not get the chance, he, too, is a possibility for Mercedes.

Valtteri Bottas

A final option would be to bring Valtteri Bottas back to the team where he had to make way for Russell in 2022. That would also pave the way for Sainz to switch to future Audi. However, this would require Bottas' contract to be terminated early, as the Finn is fixed until 2024.