This Thursday, without anything to expect, it was announced not only the departure of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes at the end of 2024, but also his joining Ferrari next year. Something that can be classified, at the very least, as the “transfer of the year,” and promises to have further repercussions in the driver market since Mercedes now has an appealing vacancy.
What is certain is that Carlos Sainz will lose his place at Ferrari after 2024. And the Spaniard will be a protagonist in the search for a new vacancy. Some point him to the Audi project, but if he were to enter the structure next year, it would still be as Sauber since the German constructor only joins in 2026.
Also unknown is who will pair with George Russell at Mercedes. The young drivers from the German constructor are not yet ready for such responsibility in 2025 – the closest is Frederik Vesti, but it seems unlikely that there will be a direct promotion from Formula 2 to the factory team.
If Sergio Pérez does not continue at Red Bull, he could be an option, but so could Esteban Ocon. His contract with Alpine ends this year and he has a past connection to Mercedes. On the other hand, Alexander Albon is currently part of Williams and is showing good potential, knowing that the Grove team has strong connections to the silver formation.
Even more experienced, Fernando Alonso is in another team close to Mercedes, Aston Martin. And despite his advanced age, he continues to show himself capable of fighting at the front, so he would be a good transitional solution if Mercedes wants to wait to promote one of its young drivers later, such as Vesti or the promising Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Then, there is Mick Schumacher. Loaned to the Alpine program in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the German is also a reserve driver for Mercedes in F1, knows the team and the car, and has a short two-season experience in the field. Other possible eventualities would be Valtteri Bottas (if he left Sauber, there would immediately be a place for Sainz…, and he would return to a structure he knows well) or Nico Hülkenberg (currently at Haas).
