Who will Replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?

Carlos Sainz:

I think that we should first look at the driver who, as far as we know, does not currently have a seat next season. With Hamilton taking his seat, will Carlos Sainz be a good option for Mercedes? I believe the answer is yes. Sainz is an experienced racing driver and has always performed well in every team he has been a part of during his F1 career. For Mercedes, this could be the preferred route to go down.

On the other hand, as it is rumoured, Sainz is the favourite to go to the new Audi F1 Team coming in 2026. Would Mercedes sign Sainz when they know there is a possibility of him leaving a year later? It would be a risk, but I believe they would have a strong driver pairing.

Mick Schumacher:

The German driver, Mick Schumacher, could be a potential option for Mercedes to fill the seat with. Schumacher is currently a reserve driver for the German team. A German driver in the team may be a good strategic move in terms of sponsors.

However, by the 2025 F1 season, Schumacher would not have been properly racing for two whole seasons. This could be a disadvantage for him when trying to race for a team who used to dominate everything.

Frederick Vesti:

Vesti is also a reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 Team. Not only that, but in 2023, he was the runner up in the Formula 2 World Championship. Clearly, the talent is there for the young driver. Being part of the Mercedes Driver Academy could help Vesti.

However, Vesti is not as experienced as his competitors for the seat. Having said that, Mercedes and Toto Wolff clearly see potential in the young star – and his junior championship series’ backs that up.

Valtteri Bottas:

The Fin is out of a contract at the end of the 2024 season. It was revealed in 2021 that George Russell would take his seat from the 2022 season onwards. But could there be a shock move back to the German team? Bottas is no stranger to the team. He joined for the 2017 season, replacing retired World Champion Nico Rosberg. Five seasons at Mercedes, and multiple wins and podiums, means that Bottas could be a favourite to fill the seat of his ex-teammate.

I see no real issues with VB going back to the team he grew with apart from the potential team dynamic. At the end of the day, it was Russell who took his seat in the first place!

Esteban Ocon:

This option is one that is probably a bit out there. Ocon used to be part of the Mercedes family, but since joining Alpine, ties have become loosened. With the way Alpine are performing this year so far, Ocon may try and leave the team – but would that be a risk for Mercedes?

I personally believe that there are stronger and more reliable options for Mercedes to pick from, but everyone needs to consider their options.

Of course, there are many options for Mercedes to pick from. There are plenty of drivers out of a contract at the end of the season which they could pick. Or will they risk it with a rookie? Only time will tell. But who do you think will get the desired seat driving for the most successful team of the hybrid era?