Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff makes no secret of preferring to see Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton's successor at Mercedes in '25. Whether that is a realistic thought remains to be seen in the coming months. Meanwhile, there are plenty of candidates vying for the seat at the German team. Carlos Sainz is said to be in the picture and youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli (17) is also believed to be an option. The name of Sebastian Vettel also occasionally comes up in the conversation.
What is certain in any case: George Russell will be at Mercedes in 2026. The Brit is also curious to know who his teammate will be; Verstappen, Antonelli, Sainz or so perhaps Vettel. "Sebastian's a great person, and he's a four-time world champion. And, for sure his personality is missed on the grid," Russell says of the latter.
In any case, according to Russell, it is important that the 20 best drivers in the world make up the F1 grid. "So, as I said before, I'm really happy and open to have anybody as my teammate. Whether it's world champion, whether it's a rookie, it doesn't change how I go about my business. And, yes, as I said, we'd welcome anybody."
It is not expected that Mercedes will tie the knot over the second seat at Mercedes any time soon. Team principal Wolff is no doubt waiting to see how the situation regarding Verstappen at Red Bull Racing develops first.
Clearly Mercedes wants to bring in Antonelli in the future and is looking for a driver probably just for 1 year plan. So this means most drivers would not be interested in Mercedes plans, Sainz would laugh if Mercedes would approach him with 1 year deal. But Vettel could be. Only thing I'm not sure, why would Vettel be interested in that. Would he be interested in driving with a 3rd-4th fastest car and probably losing to team-mate, by now Vettel is probably no match to Russell.
This is the problem when you have up coming drivers but haven't got a a junior team to slot them into, it must be demoralising for Kimi if say veteran Vettel is chosen and not him, Sainz maybe less so because he's young and proven experienced so low risk but doubt he'd be happy with a 1 year deal.
I think they should extend the FP sessions to 1 and 1/2 hrs but a 1 Junior must run in FP1 at every race, at least then you would get one Junior getting 24 Practice sessions or 2 or 3 Juniors getting a chance.
Antonelli is just kid for now... There are others far more experienced that have been waiting for a seat for many more years now.
Hope not. If I was toto and I know I'm not. I'll give Carlos a one year contract for '25 and bring Antonelli to Williams for one season. Just to ease him into F1. In all likelihood, Carlos will sign to Audi in '26. Would be good for Mercedes to see what Carlos can do in their car.
I agree with you on Sainz. It will be interesting to see George and Sainz battling each other.