Lewis Hamilton's dramatic decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for 2025 has ignited the Formula 1 headlines and the driver market. So what options do the Silver Arrows have with regards to a replacement?
TL;DR:
Carlos Sainz, though sources say Aston Martin, Sauber, Alpine and Williams are potential teams where he could land
Surprisingly no one seem to mention Mick Schumacher (who I have forgotten about until I saw him in a meme this morning), even though Toto made sure that he appeared alongside him at every GP 🙃
I'd pick Ocon over him, they just need a stopgap until Antonelli's ready. But Gasly should be in contention too, he had a better season in his first year. Albon is just overrated by likeability.
Hulk is a german driver, which makes him more likely to be considered by Merc IMO. He was their top pick in 2017 after all, and only lost the opportunity to Bottas because Renault didnt let him go.
What about Ocon?? He already has merc connections and isnt his contract expiring in the end of 2024 as well. He might not be the best choice though because he always clashes with his teammates.
Daniel Riccardo if he doesn’t get an RB contract. So unlikely since I don’t see Perez surviving the ‘24 season. He might not even finish the season. Seriously I predict that if Perez can’t consistently finish right behind Verstappen he will be out during the summer. With new regs coming in ‘26 RB doesn’t want to take the risk with a second driver who can’t even finish second in a car that can finish 30 seconds ahead of the entire grid.