Hamilton advises Wolff on who to sign: 'I'd take this driver'
F1 News
Team boss Toto Wolff is facing a challenging decision at the moment: who should he choose to replace seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton? With Hamilton making the move to Ferrari next season, and other drivers beginning to decide their future, it seems as if a decision needs to be made soon. Now, Hamilton has spoken out and shared who he thinks should take his seat.
During a news conference this weekend, Hamilton was asked whether Carlos Sainz, who is leaving Ferrari in favour of Hamilton, could be the ideal candidate for his Mercedes' seat. "Honestly, I have no idea what Toto's plans are, but for me, taking on a youngster. If it was my job, if it was my role, I would probably take on Kimi Antonelli," Hamilton is quoted by ESPN.
The 17-year-old F2 driver, who is also racing at Imola this weekend, has been undertaking an intenstive F1 test programme in old Mercedes F1 cars. Mercedes' technical director James Allison also shared his praise for the driver this week: "Just a young, enthusiastic driver. Very, very fast. Metronomic in his pace. Has not been in an F1 car until recently, but made it look like he'd been in one for ages, within a lap or two."
Could Antonelli go to Williams first?
Whilst he has been linked to Mercedes, it was revealed an application for a superlicence for the young driver had been made by Williams. On Thursday, Williams team principal James Vowles did not confirm nor deny that discussions were being held with the F2 driver: "I'm looking at, no, it's about three options for 2025, 2026. Simple as that. And when we're in a position where I can talk about that openly, which won't be long, we will do."
"But what's clear is we also need to be talking to others, and we are."