Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari caused a buzz in the racing community, signaling the start of a twelve-month countdown until the 39-year-old dons the iconic red outfit on the track.
When it comes to finding a replacement for Hamilton, Mercedes has a wide array of drivers to consider, and one name on their radar is Fernando Alonso, who is 42 years old. Not only is Alonso the most experienced individual in the Formula 1 grid, but he has also consistently achieved podium finishes for Aston Martin in the previous season, showcasing his agility.
Andrew Benson, a journalist from BBC Sport, revealed on The Chequered Flag Podcast that Mercedes is contemplating the possibility of recruiting the two-time world champion. With several drivers’ contracts expiring in 2024, Toto Wolff will have plenty of alternatives to choose from when it comes to replacing Hamilton.
Carlos Sainz, who has missed out on a contract renewal with Ferrari, has been linked to filling Hamilton’s shoes at Mercedes. Additionally, Martin Brundle has suggested that Esteban Ocon could reunite with Mercedes after progressing through their driver development program.
Surprisingly, Fernando Alonso has emerged as an unexpected candidate on Mercedes’ list of potential drivers for the upcoming year. Despite his less-than-ideal tenure with McLaren, which was partly influenced by Mercedes’ involvement with the team, that chapter is now in the past.
If Aston Martin fails to deliver a championship-winning car this season, Alonso might be enticed by a final stint with Mercedes as he continues to chase his 33rd victory. Andrew Benson commented on the potential recruits for the Silver Arrows, confirming that Alonso is indeed being considered.
“It’s remarkable to think about considering what happened between Mercedes and Alonso in 2007 during the Spygate era. Mercedes always indicated that they would never touch him, but now he’s on the list,” Benson stated. With a new CEO at Mercedes and the void left by Hamilton’s departure, Alonso could be an appealing choice to fill the gap.
If Alonso becomes available for Mercedes in 2025, he is likely to be a top priority. He may seek a contract that extends into the 2026 regulations, aligning with the anticipated arrival of Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Alonso’s contribution to Aston Martin has been praised by legendary driver Alain Prost, and while he remains determined to succeed with the British team, the allure of a faster car from Mercedes might be hard to resist at this stage of his career.
According to the source formula1news.co.uk
