Lewis Hamilton’s Surprising Pick to Replace Him at Mercedes Will Shock You
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Lewis Hamilton has revealed his preference for his successor at Mercedes. Rather than opting for a seasoned driver, Hamilton believes that 17-year-old protege Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the right person to take his place in 2025. This revelation comes as Hamilton activates a break clause in his Mercedes contract to pursue a hugely anticipated move to Ferrari.
The End of an Era at Mercedes
The seven-time World Champion’s decision to leave the German team has opened up a coveted spot, sparking a flurry of speculation about who could fill his shoes. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has been vocal about his intentions to sign current world champion Max Verstappen. However, Verstappen has expressed his desire to remain at Red Bull, throwing a wrench into Wolff’s plans.
With Fernando Alonso extending his contract with Aston Martin, the list of suitable candidates is narrowing rapidly. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Antonelli have emerged as the front-runners, but Hamilton has made it clear who his favorite is.
A Young Prodigy in the Spotlight
Antonelli, currently navigating his debut season in Formula 2, has been turning heads with his performance. Coupled with a rigorous testing program in older Mercedes models, the young Italian seems poised for greatness. When asked if Carlos Sainz would be a good fit for Mercedes, Hamilton praised the Spaniard but expressed his preference for grooming young talent.
“Carlos is a fantastic driver and would benefit any team he joins. However, if it were up to me, I'd take a chance on a youngster like Kimi. The future lies in nurturing new stars,” said Hamilton.
A Familiar Path
If selected, Antonelli’s journey into the high-stakes world of Formula 1 with a championship-contending team would echo Hamilton’s own debut in 2007 with McLaren. Paired alongside reigning double champion Fernando Alonso, Hamilton stunned the motorsport world by nearly clinching the title in his rookie season.
Hamilton went on to secure his first championship the following year and later propelled Mercedes to multiple victories, amassing six more titles to equal Michael Schumacher’s record. However, since December 2021, Hamilton hasn't won a single race, largely due to Mercedes’ struggles with the new ground effect cars. This has acted as a catalyst for the Briton’s impending switch to Ferrari.
The Domino Effect
Hamilton’s departure also has significant ramifications for Carlos Sainz. The Spanish driver, left without a seat, is rumored to be considering a proposal from Audi, who will enter the series officially in 2026 after taking over the current Sauber team. Audi’s entry coincides with the introduction of all-new technical regulations, potentially creating a thrilling new chapter for the sport.
Sainz seemed unperturbed by the uncertainty surrounding his future, stating, “I think so, yeah. It’s not moving too quick,” when questioned about the pace of negotiations.
With the landscape of Formula 1 evolving rapidly, the next few seasons promise to be a heady mix of intrigue, drama, and high-speed action. Hamilton’s bet on young Antonelli could very well set the stage for the next great rivalry in the sport. Whether Antonelli lives up to Hamilton’s expectations only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Formula 1’s horizon has never looked more exciting.