Mercedes’ Search for Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement: A Closer Look at the Shortlist of Drivers

Mercedes-AMG is on the hunt for a replacement for departing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who recently announced his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Team Principal Toto Wolff has revealed a shortlist of four drivers being considered to fill the British driver’s seat, and Sports Brief takes a closer look at the lineup of potential candidates.

First on the list is Max Verstappen, whose relationship with Red Bull has been rocky amidst the team’s early season turmoil. While Wolff was seen meeting with Verstappen’s father at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the chances of the Dutch driver moving to Mercedes seem slim given his current team’s strong performance and improved internal dynamics.

Next up is 17-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli, who is making waves in the Formula 2 series. Wolff is reportedly keen on securing the young driver to avoid missing out on another rising star, similar to what happened with Verstappen in the past.

Fernando Alonso, the experienced 42-year-old driver currently with Aston Martin, is also in the running for the Mercedes seat. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Alonso’s wealth of experience could prove valuable to the team.

Lastly, Carlos Sainz emerges as a highly speculated choice to replace Hamilton. The Ferrari driver, who has been in impressive form recently, has openly expressed his desire for a seat in the 2025 season. Bringing Sainz on board would not only be a cost-effective move for Mercedes but also add a top-tier driver to their lineup.

As Mercedes continues its search for Hamilton’s replacement, the decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.