When looking for a suitable successor for the superstar, Mercedes has at least more lead time this time than following Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg’s sudden resignation in December 2016. At that time, the “Silver Arrows” were under enormous time pressure, following all the Finnish Valtteri Bottas was hired by Williams poached.
“Exciting possibilities”
“We accept Lewis’ decision to take on a new challenge and at the same time we have exciting opportunities for the future,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. He can now examine several options at his leisure. There are also former world champions among them.
Bild: (APA/AFP/FERENC ISZA)
- Fernando Alonso (42): Hardly any Formula 1 driver is as fast as the Spaniard, hardly anyone as clever. Even at 42, Alonso is still chasing the dream of his third World Cup title. The start with Aston Martin was promising, but from the middle of the season the car powered by a Mercedes engine was increasingly left behind. Nevertheless, Alonso made it to fourth place in the World Cup standings. Does Aston Martin show title potential in 2024? At least the headstrong Asturian gets along with George Russell. Alonso celebrated New Year’s Eve with the Brit and his girlfriend Carmen, among others.
- Carlos Sainz (29): The Spaniard would be free from 2025. But is Carlos Sainz the right person for Mercedes? In three years at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, he has at least delivered one or two highlights, for example his victory in Singapore. Former Mercedes pupil Esteban Ocon (27) from Alpine is another possible candidate. Team boss Toto Wolff once saw the Frenchman as a “superstar of the future”.
- Sebastian Vettel (36): The four-time world champion had enough at the end of 2022. After two disappointing years with Aston Martin, Vettel was happy to have more time for his family and his own plans, without the strict schedule of Formula 1 life. But Mercedes might be attractive for the privateer. Vettel’s idol Michael Schumacher also returned to Formula 1 with the factory team from 2010 to 2012. “You can never rule out something like that, but at some point the time will be over,” said Vettel last year regarding a comeback.
- Max Verstappen (26): Or will Mercedes itself create sensational news? With Max Verstappen (26), for example? Wolff appreciates the three-time world champion, but Verstappen drives for industry leader Red Bull – and still has a contract until the end of 2028.
- Lando Norris (24): The highly talented Lando Norris (24) is also likely to be included in the raffle. The Englishman recently signed a new long-term contract with McLaren, but release clauses are not uncommon in such contracts.
- Kimi Antonelli (17): Super talent Kimi Antonelli (17) is currently part of the Mercedes junior squad and was promoted to Formula 2 this year. However, the Formula 1 commitment might still come too early for the Italian in a year.
