With Carlos Sainz now out of the running to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2025 Formula One season, the team face a crucial decision between just two drivers. As Lewis Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, the question of who will replace the seven-time world champion at the wheel of the Silver Arrows has come under intense scrutiny.
According to Hamilton, the decision to switch teams is driven by a desire for a new challenge. Despite his unparalleled success with Mercedes, including six of the seven world championships under his belt, and numerous race wins, the British driver has expressed a yearning for new experiences and new goals. The obvious struggles of Mercedes since the new rules came into place in 2022 have an obvious but unspoken significant bearing on the move.
Joining Ferrari, the sport’s most iconic and historically successful team, offers Hamilton the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on another legendary outfit if indeed he can do well for the Italian team.
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Talks and speculation
Speculation about Hamilton’s future has been rife for several months, with rumours suggesting a number of potential destinations. In the end, the lure of Ferrari and its significant salary proved irresistible to Hamilton. The decision came after extensive discussions with Ferrari’s management, who assured Hamilton of their commitment to providing him with a competitive car capable of winning championships.
The prospect of driving for the Scuderia, a team that holds a special place in the hearts of motorsport fans around the world, was a major factor in Hamilton’s decision says the British driver.
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Mercedes’ options: Verstappen vs. Antonelli
According to reports, the race to replace Hamilton is now down to just two candidates: Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has long expressed his admiration for Verstappen, who has dominated the sport in recent years.
Wolff sees the reigning world champion as an ideal fit for Mercedes, bringing both experience and proven success. However, luring Verstappen would be a significant challenge given his current commitment to Red Bull, with his contract running until 2028.
In contrast, Andrea Kimi Antonelli offers a youthful and ambitious alternative. The 17-year-old Italian, who currently races in Formula 2 with Prema, will join the Mercedes junior programme in 2019. Antonelli bypassed Formula 3 after winning the Formula Regional European Championship and is now competing in his rookie season in F2.
Despite his youth, Antonelli has already shown impressive ability, prompting comparisons to a young Verstappen.
Several drivers have been linked with Hamilton’s seat as George Russell’s partner, with names such as Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon floated as potential candidates. Carlos Sainz was also in the running, but as reported by Sky Sports, that option has now been ruled out, leaving just two candidates.
Antonelli’s rapid rise
Antonelli’s rise through the racing ranks has been meteoric. Born in Bologna in 2006, he began his career in karting and quickly made a name for himself by winning the European Karting Championship in 2020 and 2021. His talent was evident early on, leading to a debut in the Italian F4 Championship at the age of 15. Antonelli continued to impress, winning the Italian F4 Championship and the ADAC Formula 4 title in 2022.
Promoted directly to Formula 2, Antonelli’s performance was closely monitored by Mercedes. Despite being new to the series, he has shown remarkable adaptability, securing several top-10 finishes in his first few races.
His performance has led to increased speculation about his potential promotion to F1, especially given Mercedes’ historic commitment to nurturing young talent.
Wolff has been cautious about rushing Antonelli into F1, stressing the importance of allowing him to develop without undue pressure. However, the Mercedes team principal has not ruled out promoting Antonelli if his F2 performances continue to impress. The Italian has also tested the Mercedes W12 F1 car and his overall assessment has been positive.
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Verstappen: The proven champion
Verstappen, on the other hand, offers a different proposition. The Dutchman has been a dominant force in F1, winning three world championships with Red Bull. Verstappen’s experience and proven track record make him an attractive candidate for Mercedes, especially as they look to regain their competitive edge after a difficult few seasons.
However, luring Verstappen away from Red Bull would be a complex and potentially costly proposition. Verstappen is deeply integrated into the Red Bull set-up and any move would require significant negotiation and financial commitment from Mercedes. Despite these challenges, Wolff has not ruled out the possibility, recognising Verstappen’s unparalleled talent and potential impact on the team.
The decision between Verstappen and Antonelli will likely depend on several factors, including the progress of Antonelli’s F2 campaign and the feasibility of luring Verstappen away from Red Bull. Regardless of the outcome, Mercedes face a crucial decision that will shape the future of the team as they look to regain their dominance in Formula One.
As Mercedes navigate the transition period following Hamilton’s departure, the choice of his replacement will be crucial. Whether they opt for the youthful promise of Andrea Kimi Antonelli or the proven ability of Max Verstappen, the decision will have long-lasting implications for the team’s trajectory in the fiercely competitive world of Formula One.
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This weekend in Italy once again shows why Ferrari is unique amongst all the Formula One teams. Firstly they are the only competitor remaining since the inception of the sport back in 1950, but more importantly in their home country they are treated like a national team. If Ferrari wins people go to work on Monday with a smile on their faces, but when they lose the staff canteen becomes a sombre place.
Ferrari is also the most successful team in the history of the sport. With sixteen constructor championships they dominate the field with Williams behind on nine and Mercedes together with McLaren have eight each. Even the currently uber dominant Red Bull Racing has scored just six in the nineteen years since they were revived from the ashes of the…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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