Mercedes’ Strategic Patience in Choosing Hamilton’s Successor: A Delicate Balancing Act

Mercedes suggests a new approach to choosing Lewis Hamilton's successor

"I'm willing to make concessions in some choices"

Toto Wolff has revealed Mercedes' approach to choosing a successor for Lewis Hamilton.

In 2025, Hamilton is set to join Ferrari, leaving Wolff with the monumental decision of finding a replacement for the seven-time F1 champion.

The choice is also delaying the finalization of the entire 2025 Formula 1 driver roster, as decisions in the market are on hold while the most sought-after spot is being determined.

Carlos Sainz emerges as a clear contender now that Hamilton is set to replace him at Ferrari next season, leaving him as a free agent.

However, Mercedes has chosen not to secure him, even at the risk of Sainz moving to a different team, as they prefer to wait. Audi (which will be known as Sauber until 2026) presents a potential opportunity for Sainz.

"Wolff expressed after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola that he believes Carlos definitely belongs in Formula 1."

"He's secured victories in Ferrari races over the past couple of years and brings a wealth of experience to the table."

"I'm willing to make concessions on some choices and see how things unfold through the summer and into fall."

"We are fortunate to have George Russell as an exceptional driver on our team."

"Next, we'll determine who will partner with him. However, there's no rush to make this decision immediately."

Mercedes' decision to hold off on finalizing their driver lineup might stem from their anticipation of Max Verstappen revealing if any discord within Red Bull might prompt him to look for a way out.

At this point, the chances of Verstappen departing Red Bull, especially as he is on track to secure his fourth F1 championship this season, appear slim for 2025.

Lewis Hamilton supports Andrea Kimi Antonelli in becoming Mercedes' next driver.

This year, the young driver is competing in Formula 2, yet he has also been involved in multiple evaluations of Mercedes F1 vehicles to gauge his racing pace.

Wolff mentioned regarding Antonelli: "We've been building up excitement around this young man for quite some time now."

"He has the potential to become an outstanding F1 driver in the future, given that he's only 17."

"Fourteen months prior, he was behind the wheel of an F4 vehicle."

"In Italy, the anticipation is quite high. We also share some of the responsibility for this.

"I believe we ought to allow him to proceed with his Formula 2 activities and focus on the outcomes, rather than getting overly absorbed in what might or ought to happen."

"Observe George's achievement – he clinched the F2 title during his debut season. Meanwhile, ai-allcreator.com">Kimi has shown promise in the lower tiers and has made it to F2 as of now, so it remains to be seen how he'll perform."

“He’s destined for Formula 1 in the future. However, we shouldn’t hurry the process.”

If Mercedes delays in securing Sainz, finds itself unable to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull, and concludes that Antonelli isn't prepared for F1 by 2025, they will face a significant dilemma.

At that point, they might choose a temporary fix for one year.

Multiple Formula 1 racers have contracts concluding this year, making them potential acquisitions. Among them are Esteban Ocon, currently with Alpine but part of the Mercedes junior program, and Valtteri Bottas, who formerly partnered with Hamilton at Mercedes under Wolff's management.

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