Fernando Alonso is currently without a position in 2025.
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, has urged Mercedes to sign Fernando Alonso for 2025 as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Following last Thursday’s major announcement that Hamilton will be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of 2024, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff now faces the challenge of filling an empty seat for the upcoming year.
2024 will mark Hamilton’s final season as a driver for the Silver Arrows, concluding a partnership that began when he was just 13 years old.
The seven-time World Champion has been presented with a significant opportunity to fulfill his dream of racing for the renowned red team.
While Hamilton’s career is secured until at least the end of 2026 with his “multi-year” contract with Ferrari, Wolff must find a remarkable driver to replace him, considering the void left by the 103-time World Champion.
Mercedes does have the talented young driver Kimi Antonelli as a potential option for promotion in 2025, provided he accumulates enough points on his super license during his debut Formula 2 season this year.
Antonelli is regarded as the next rising star; however, Wolff would likely prefer to allow the young driver more time to develop.
In the meantime, a short-term solution may be more suitable, with Button suggesting that Alonso is the ideal candidate.
Button’s admiration for Alonso is well-known, and the latter will become a free agent when his contract with Aston Martin concludes in 2024.
Despite being 42 years old, Alonso remains as determined as ever, as demonstrated by his eight podium finishes last year.
The Spaniard also shares a good relationship with George Russell, as they have been spotted enjoying social events together.
It could be the perfect final chapter for Alonso, especially if Mercedes provides him with a competitive car capable of challenging for victories next year.
“I might have a man crush on my ex-team-mate Fernando Alonso, alongside George [Russell],” Button expressed on the Sky Sports F1 YouTube channel.
“I would love to see Fernando Alonso. He may be 42 now, but I believe the hunger is still there. If the hunger remains, and the fitness is there, he is driving every day. Whether it’s a go-kart or some other form of race kart, he is always behind the wheel. If the hunger is there, I think it would be a fantastic partnership. I believe they would learn from each other and work well together.”
