Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton reveals his pick to replace him at Mercedes in 2025

Lewis Hamilton mentioned the driver he'd like to see race for Mercedes next season.

Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton reveals his pick to replace him at Mercedes in 2025

Lewis Hamilton (L), Toto Wolff (R) (images via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari has opened up a vacancy at Mercedes for the coming season. Team principal Toto Wolff is still looking for driver options to replace the Briton. Wolff had previously claimed that he would not rush into the decision of finalizing a driver for the coming season. However, amidst the search, Hamilton has revealed the driver he would like to be replaced with.

Multiple high-caliber drivers, including Max Verstappen were rumored to take the empty seat of Lewis Hamilton. Toto Wolff didn’t deny the possibility of the reigning world champion joining Mercedes. However, the 26-year-old later made it very clear that even ‘$250 Million‘ wouldn’t see him join Brackley. Hence, Carlos Sainz and Andrea Kimi Antonelli remained the two top prospects for the Silver Arrows.

YouTube video

Lewis Hamilton reckoned that he would probably choose the prodigy Kimi Antonelli to follow him. Williams even requested FIA for a special exception for the 17-year-old to make his F1 debut by obtaining an F1 super license. Hence, Antonelli might be the driver of choice to replace Hamilton at Mercedes in the coming season. The Italian has shown promising pace in Formula 2 this season.

FS Video
I’d probably take on Kimi [Antonelli]
Lewis Hamilton told during a Media session.

Lewis Hamilton claims he has ‘no idea’ on Toto Wolff’s ‘plan’ about his replacement

Kimi Antonelli would provide many benefits to Mercedes after joining at just 18 years old. The Italian would have many years of racing ahead of him which could provide him with the experience to lead the Silver Arrows in the future. On the contrary, Carlos Sainz has been showcasing much better prospects with many years of experience on him. Hence, the 39-year-old pointed out Sainz joining Mercedes would be a ‘positive’.

I think Carlos is a great driver, so wherever he goes he would be a positive for any team.
Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by planetf1.com.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff. (Via IMAGO)

Although, the seven-time world champion made it very clear that he had no idea of Toto Wolff’s plans regarding the second driver. Regardless, Hamilton would’ve hired a young talent in Brackley. As such, it seems that the Briton remains keen on Kimi Antonelli as his ideal replacement for next season.

Honestly, I have no idea what Toto’s plans are but, for me, taking on a youngster would be [the right move]. If it was my job, my role.
Lewis Hamilton noted.

The coming few months will be interesting for fans as Mercedes finalizes its second driver to partner George Russell. Multiple drivers are more than keen to follow in the footsteps of the seven-time world champion. Hence, Toto Wolff would take the final call towards the end of the 2024 season.

In case you missed it: