Guenther Steiner names his pick to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton's bombshell move to Ferrari has opened up a vacancy in Mercedes for 2025. Guenther Steiner suggested his ideal pick for this seat.

Guenther Steiner names his pick to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

Guenther Steiner (L), Lewis Hamilton (R) (images via IMAGO).

Lewis Hamilton sealed his shocking move to Ferrari in 2025 before the commencement of the 2024 season. Hence, Mercedes currently has an empty spot for a driver to fill in the footsteps of the seven-time world champion. Team principal Toto Wolff is actively looking at his options to finalize a driver to be paired up with George Russell.

Toto Wolff had previously asserted how George Russell would be the lead driver following Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari in 2025. Additionally, the majority of the drivers’ market would open by 2025 allowing Wolff to take his time over the decision. Notably, reigning world champion Max Verstappen was also considered as an option to drive for the team from 2025.

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Amidst these developments, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner also shared his opinions over the replacement driver. Steiner hinted towards his former team’s driver Nico Hulkenberg and how he deserved to race in Brackley. Additionally, the 58-year-old asserted how the German driver was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Hence, a seat within Mercedes might be the right place right time for Hulkenberg.

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If I were the Mercedes boss I wouldn't say no to Nico Hulkenberg either. He was often underestimated and usually found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. But maybe this time he will be in the right place at the right time 
Steiner said, as reported by formulapassion.it.

Toto Wolff claims Mercedes wants to keep options open for Lewis Hamilton’s replacement

Toto Wolff had previously highlighted that he wouldn’t rush into taking the decision for the second driver. Hence, the team principal is looking at his options before finalizing anything. Previously, Carlos Sainz was rumored to be a potential option. However, Wolff asserted how the team would try to commit to a driver for the long term. Additionally, the team principal claimed that he was keeping his options open in terms of acquiring a talent within Brackley.

I’ve said that we need to look long-term also, and on the driver line-up not in one year but in three, five or 10, and with that perspective I just wanted to keep the options open and with all the consequences that could potentially bring.
Wolff said, as reported by timesnownews.com.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff. (Via IMAGO)

Apart from this, the Austrian hinted towards the love affair between Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. Hence, Wolff mentioned how he would try to end the season on a high to facilitate a great exit for the driver. Additionally, the team would be giving their 100% to potentially aim for a championship contention.

But we have such a love affair with Lewis and Mercedes and how well we’ve done that nothing’s going to put any shadow on this. We want to end on a high and we will be giving it all this season.

The beginning of the 2024 season hasn’t been one of the best starts for Brackley. The W15 challenger has been producing a lot of mediocre pace and performance for the drivers. Hence, the team needs to desperately work on their form to ensure a great end to 2024 for Lewis Hamilton.

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