F1 CTO warns Mercedes of ‘George Russell problem’ if they sign Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso might be the prime candidates to fill in the shoes of Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season.

F1 CTO warns Mercedes of ‘George Russell problem’ if they sign Fernando Alonso

George Russell (L), Fernando Alonso (R) (images via IMAGO).

Lewis Hamilton‘s bombshell move to Ferrari has left Mercedes searching for a replacement for the seven-time world champion. Toto Wolff is currently considering his options making a decision on George Russell‘s teammate for next season. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is believed to be one of the contenders for this seat.

Formula 1’s Chief Technical Officer, Pat Symonds shared his opinions over the situation at the Silver Arrows. Symonds reckoned Fernando Alonso should be the one replacing Lewis Hamilton. The F1 CTO asserted that Alonso was incredibly fast and would help the team score great results during the new regulation from 2026. 

I really rate the guy. I think he’s incredibly fast. So if I was looking for what’s the best result I could get in 2025, who do I need to help me with my brand new 2026 car to a totally new set of regulations? Fernando’s your man.
Symonds told in Beyond the Grid Podcast.
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However, things wouldn’t be simple for Mercedes if it signs Fernando Alonso. Symonds pointed towards George Russell who has been the long-term prospect of the Silver Arrows. Hence, after signing the Asturian, Russell might reconsider his future with the Brackley-based squad according to the 70-year-old. This could be a major issue for Toto Wolff’s squad as things could heat up within the team.

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However, then you’re left with a problem, aren’t you? You’re left with the problem of George, who’s been there a few years and thinking of where do I go next?
Symonds said.

Pat Symonds claims Toto Wolff needs to look ‘further down the line’

Pat Symonds opened up about the importance of continuity in Formula 1. Mercedes had a stable line-up of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell since 2022 before Hamilton decided to join Ferrari. Symonds mentioned that the teams need to ‘stagger’ their drivers to ensure continuity within the team. According to the F1 CTO, teams need to have plans in place regarding succession in such situations. 

Continuity in a team is so important... you really need to make sure you stagger your drivers. You need to make sure that you’ve got a good succession planning in your engineers and things like this.
Symonds mentioned.
Toto Wolff (via imago)
Toto Wolff (via imago)

Apart from this, the 70-year-old pointed to Toto Wolff to look further down the line. Symonds claimed that if he were in Wolff’s shoes, he would definitely plan about the team’s future. Hence, Austrian team boss would need to make the right call for Russell’s teammate, be it Fernando Alonso or anyone else. Wolff had previously asserted how George Russell would take the lead driver role after Hamilton’s exit.

So, I think if I was Toto, I would do it, but I’d be thinking ‘Okay, well, what’s my next move?’ Because you’ve got to look further down the line.
Symonds noted.

Toto Wolff would soon need to finalize a driver for Mercedes for the coming season. A majority of the drivers might already have plans for next season. As a result, Wolff will need to display great opportunity for the new driver joining Brackley. But keeping in mind the issues faced by the German manufacturer, drivers would think twice before locking in a deal with the team.

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