When Lewis Hamilton announced his blockbuster move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, speculation intensified immediately over who would replace the seven-time world champion at Mercedes. Now, a striking new claim from a former Mercedes engineer suggests that Fernando Alonso was the preferred internal candidate to succeed Hamilton.
This information comes from Josema Galán, a former Mercedes engineer, who claims that the team principal, Toto Wolff, actively consulted staff at the Brackley factory during the search for Hamilton’s replacement.
According to Galán, Wolff gathered employees together and openly asked for their views on which available driver should lead Mercedes into Formula 1’s new era.
In an interview with the YouTube channel Mínimo Común Múltiplo, Galán said that Wolff presented staff with a list of drivers who were out of contract and available for the 2025 season.
“Toto wanted to know who we would choose,” Galán explained
“He gathered the employees and openly asked who they thought would be the ideal replacement. In doing so, he came up with a list of all the drivers who did not have a contract for the following season.”
Fernando Alonso reportedly received overwhelming support inside Mercedes.
Galán claimed that the atmosphere inside Mercedes changed dramatically once Alonso’s name was mentioned.
Despite his occasionally divisive reputation within parts of the Formula 1 paddock, the two-time world champion quickly emerged as the clear favourite among factory personnel, according to the former engineer.
“When Fernando came up in conversation, suddenly the whole factory wanted him,” said Galán.
This is a particularly notable claim given Alonso’s complicated history in Formula 1, including long-standing perceptions of his demanding personality and political influence within teams.
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Galán admitted he was surprised by the reaction inside the Mercedes operation.
“You often hear jokes and prejudices about him there,” he explained.
“But suddenly, you saw everyone swallow their words and say with conviction that Fernando would be the right choice. That moment really made an impression.”
However, Mercedes ultimately chose Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Despite the reported enthusiasm for Alonso, Mercedes opted to promote the highly rated Italian youngster instead.
At the time, this decision was seen as a significant gamble, as Antonelli was stepping directly into one of Formula 1’s most pressurised roles following Hamilton’s departure.
Mercedes’ long-term strategy may already be paying off
Antonelli has enjoyed a sensational start to the 2026 season, currently leading the Formula 1 World Championship after victories in China, Japan, and Miami.
The Italian’s rapid rise to prominence has also intensified scrutiny of several established drivers across the grid, with many now viewing him as the sport’s next potential superstar.
Links to Alonso highlight Mercedes’ short-term dilemma
The Alonso revelation also highlights the difficult balancing act that Mercedes faced after Hamilton’s departure.
Signing Alonso would have provided immediate experience and stability during Formula 1’s major 2026 regulation overhaul. The Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the best drivers on the grid and has consistently delivered strong performances, even in less competitive cars.
However, choosing Antonelli signalled Mercedes’ commitment to building for the future rather than focusing purely on short-term results.
With Antonelli already delivering victories and leading the championship, Wolff’s decision appears fully justified, even if some at the Mercedes factory were hoping for a different outcome.
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Clara Marlowe is a Formula 1 writer at TJ13 with over 15 years of experience in motorsport journalism, having contributed features to established sports magazines such as Evo, MCN, Wisden Cricket Monthly and other digital outlets.
Clara specialises in human-interest storytelling, focusing on the individuals behind the sport, including drivers, engineers, and team personnel whose roles are often overlooked in mainstream coverage.
At TJ13, Clara contributes long-form features and narrative-driven pieces that explore the personal and professional journeys within Formula 1. This includes coverage of career-defining moments, internal team dynamics, and the human impact of high-pressure competition.
Clara’s work brings depth and perspective to the sport, complementing news and analysis with stories that highlight the people behind the machinery.
Clara has a particular interest in how personal narratives intersect with performance, and how individual experiences shape outcomes across a Formula 1 season.
