With Carlos Sainz now out of the running, the race to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2025 Formula One season is heating up. The team is now faced with choosing between just two drivers.
As Lewis Hamilton prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, all eyes are on who will replace the seven-time world champion. Hamilton, who has achieved unparalleled success with Mercedes, winning six of his seven world championships with the team, expressed his desire for a new challenge. Despite the team’s dominance, recent struggles since the 2022 regulations have had an undeniable impact on his decision.
After months of speculation, the lure of Ferrari and its significant salary package proved irresistible to Hamilton. Extensive discussions with Ferrari’s management assured him of their commitment to providing a competitive car. “The prospect of driving for the Scuderia, a team that holds a special place in the hearts of motorsport fans around the world, was a major factor,” Hamilton shared.
Now, Mercedes must decide between two candidates: Max Verstappen and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has long admired Verstappen, the reigning world champion who has dominated the sport. Verstappen’s experience and success make him an ideal fit, but his current contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028, makes the move a significant challenge.
On the other hand, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 17-year-old Italian currently racing in Formula 2, presents a youthful and ambitious option. Antonelli’s rapid rise through the racing ranks has seen him bypass Formula 3 after winning the Formula Regional European Championship. His rookie season in F2 has already shown promise, with several top-10 finishes.
Toto Wolff has been cautious about rushing Antonelli into F1, emphasizing the importance of allowing him to develop. “We need to ensure he grows at a natural pace without undue pressure,” Wolff stated. However, he hasn’t ruled out promoting Antonelli if his performances continue to impress.
Verstappen, however, remains a highly attractive option. The Dutchman has won three world championships with Red Bull and offers proven success. Attracting Verstappen to Mercedes would require significant negotiation and financial commitment, recognizing his talent and potential impact on the team.
Ultimately, the decision between Verstappen and Antonelli will depend on various factors, including Antonelli’s progress in F2 and the feasibility of negotiating Verstappen’s move from Red Bull. Whoever Mercedes chooses will shape the team’s future as they aim to regain their previous dominance in Formula One.
As Mercedes faces this crucial decision following Hamilton’s departure, the choice between the youthful promise of Andrea Kimi Antonelli and the proven ability of Max Verstappen will have far-reaching implications. The coming weeks will reveal the direction Mercedes chooses to take in their quest to return to the top of the Formula One hierarchy.
