​Lewis Hamilton will lead Scuderia Ferrari from 2025, which has been officially confirmed by both the Italians and the multiple world champion. Mercedes is looking for a driver, and the replacement options for Hamilton are many and some surprising.

>> Carlos Sainz Jr., the victim of the betrayal of the century in Formula 1 – the announcement of the Spanish pilot

In an analysis, Reuters presents options for drivers who can replace Hamilton at Mercedes from 2025.

We will remind, the Briton will play for Mercedes this season, according to the current contract.

According to the mentioned source, many pilots who will compete in Formula 1 this year (more than half) will remain without a contract until 2025.

There is also room for surprises, there may be options like Fernando Alonso: the one who announced the end of his career, but then after a few seasons returned to the decision.

Possible options for Mercedes starting in 2025

Carlos Sainz, 29 years old

The Spaniard, whose place Hamilton took, would be a straight swap. However, he was seen as a top target for Audi, who relinquished control of Sauber and entered a factory team in 2026.

He would probably be number one there, and Audi has strong links with his father, who won last month’s Dakar Rally with them. Would he or Mercedes be willing to sign a one-year deal or would they be open to a longer one?

Alex Albon, 27 years old

The former Red Bull driver was very successful at Williams, scoring all but one point last season and leading the team to seventh place overall.

Williams is headed by James Vowles, who used to be close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as the team’s head of motorsport strategy.

A deal with Albon, a longtime friend and rival of George Russell, who also graduated from Williams, would surely be a no-brainer.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 17 years old

The 17-year-old Italian has yet to debut in Formula 2, but is considered a great talent for the future and already has a contract with Mercedes. If he is not ready for the former champion, he can be offered to the Williams team to gain experience.

Mick Schumacher, 24 years old

Michael Schumacher’s son is the official reserve. His seasons with Haas have been tough and he is now on the endurance roster with Renault-owned Alpine.

Michael raced for the team, replaced by Hamilton in 2013, but Mick seems to have little chance compared to the other options.

Esteban Ocon, 27 years old

The “junior” and reserve driver who supports Mercedes and prepares for his eighth season in Formula 1 and fifth with Renault / Alpine. The team rated him highly, but he may have already fallen off the option list.

Valtteri Bottas, 34 years old

Hamilton’s teammate before Russell replaced the Finn, whose contract with Sauber expires at the end of the year and whose place could be taken by Sainz. He knows all the people at Mercedes, but a return is certainly unlikely.

Fernando Alonso, 42 years old

The two-time world champion is out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of the year but shows no signs of wanting to stop and still looks very competitive.

Sebastian Vettel, 36 years old

Could the four-time world champion be persuaded to return, as Schumacher did in 2010? 36-year-old Vettel is younger than Hamilton. He did not completely rule out a return when he left Aston Martin in 2022, according to News.ro.

>> Formula-1: Mercedes announced a divorce from Lewis Hamilton – the champion signed a new contract

We remind you that in the eternal ranking of Formula 1 champions, Lewis Hamilton is currently in first place, sharing it with the legendary Michael Schumacher (both have 7 world championship titles).

Michael Schumacher triumphed in the seasons of 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and Lewis Hamilton became world champion in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

What the 2024 Formula 1 season will look like

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