Lewis Hamilton will part ways with Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season. The question now is who will become the second driver for the Silver Arrows?
This year’s silly season will be interesting for sure, when most of the current drivers’ contracts expire, to see who gets cut and who ends up where.
Carlos Sainz – a convenient choice
The Spanish driver’s contract expires at the end of the 2024 season making him an exceptional match for the Mercedes F1 team. Having entered the sport in 2015, Sainz is a seasoned driver who continues to perform well. He would be one of the most convenient choices, seeing as a direct swap between the two drivers would be both easy and comfortable for the Mercedes team.
Alexander Albon - time to reveal his true talent?
Albon’s contract will expire for the 2025 season, a great timing for a change in teams. The Thai driver is currently with the Williams team and it is not unusual for Mercedes to pick their new drivers from said team. Albon has had some ups and downs throughout his career but a switch to Mercedes could reveal his true talent.
Esteban Ocon – unlikely choice?
Just like the previous two drivers Ocon’s contract will expire at the end of the 2024 season. Even though he has a history with Mercedes, being a former reserve driver, being a part of the Mercedes junior programme as well as being considered for the seat in 2020, the French driver would be an unlikely choice as he has established himself in the French brand Alpine (formerly Renault).
Mick Schumacher – might have potential in a better car
Mick Schumacher is the reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 team, which would make an easy transition if he ended up with the seat in 2025. However, his ability as a driver can be questioned as his previous Formula 1 history with the team Haas was not all that good. However, it would be interesting to see the German in a better car as he has a lot of potential.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli - the wild card
Antonelli is a part of the Mercedes young driver programme, setting himself up for a possible future career in Formula 1, with or without Mercedes. Out of all the drivers previously discussed, the Italian is the “wild card” as he has not yet experienced a single season in Formula 1. This year he will race in the Formula 2 championship where if he does well, he might be considered for the seat in Formula 1. But losing Hamilton, Mercedes star driver, maybe they are looking for someone with more experience?
Who should replace Hamilton?
Carlos Sainz
Alexander Albon
Esteban Ocon
Mick Schumacher
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