Mercedes are in the hot seat when it comes to the Formula 1 driver’s market with plenty of options on offer to replace Lewis Hamilton.
His move to Ferrari was the first new piece of the 2025 puzzle to be completed as he looks forward to lining up alongside Charles Leclerc who signed a new long-term deal this winter.
Writing on the Formula 1 website, journalist Lawrence Barretto has shared that one driver is now a possible option to replace the 39-year-old.
Mercedes continue to look for Lewis Hamilton replacement
The dilemma Toto Wolff faces this season has only been seen once in the history of Formula 1.
How do you replace someone who has already won seven championships?
In 2006, Michael Schumacher finally called a day on his F1 career – at least until 2012 – meaning Ferrari had to bring in someone to partner Felipe Massa.
They turned to Kimi Raikkonen and the following year he won his only championship and Ferrari’s last individual title.
Mercedes now have to do the same thing and there are plenty of options on the table.
Fernando Alonso is already a world champion and is on their list while he decides if he wants to stay at Aston Martin.
The man Lewis Hamilton is replacing at Ferrari – Carlos Sainz – is also on Toto Wolff’s radar.
However, it’s also in the realms of possibility that Mercedes turn to a familiar face in Valtteri Bottas.
Well known for being one of the best drivers on the grid for the level of feedback provided, given the team’s current struggles, he might not be a bad driver to look at.
However, his recent racing record with Sauber may work against him in this instance.
Bottas a possibility as Mercedes seek new driver for 2025 F1 season
Talking about the Finn’s future, Barretto said: “Where could he land if he doesn’t stay at Sauber? Mercedes have a plethora of options available.
“Should they decide they need an experienced pair of hands and someone they can trust for a shorter-term contract before possibly signing someone long-term, a move for [Valtteri] Bottas would be within the realms of possibility?”
It’s hard to see Bottas being Mercedes’s first choice to replace Hamilton but it might depend on how George Russell fares this season.
If he establishes himself as a clear team leader, then Mercedes could gamble on a younger driver and promote Kimi Antonelli from Formula 2.
If Wolff believes that the 26-year-old still needs some support, then the possibility of Bottas returning to Mercedes suddenly becomes clearer, especially if Alonso either decides to retire or signs an extension with Aston Martin
Toto Wolff should be in no rush to replace Lewis Hamilton
Given how many drivers are available to Mercedes for 2025, Toto Wolff has the luxury of being able to take his time to sign George Russell’s new teammate.
There’s also the ongoing instability at Red Bull that could see Max Verstappen suddenly become available and that changes the complexion of the driver’s market completely.
Toto Wolff has already responded to claims the Dutchman could head to Mercedes.
However, he’s also a target for Aston Martin and if he did move, that would force Mercedes to act fast as suddenly an even more enticing seat would then open up.
All of this indecision opens up the possibility that Bottas could earn a return to Mercedes, but in all likelihood, he’s fighting to stay on the grid in a slower car.
The post ‘Should they decide’: Mercedes seat now in the ‘realms of possibility’ for 34-year-old driver – journalist appeared first on F1 Oversteer.