As the dust settles on the news that Lewis Hamilton will be moving to Scuderia Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season, the spotlight has now shifted to the potential candidates who could fill the vacant seat at Mercedes.
Mercedes is an attractive team to join; the German outfit finished second last year in the constructor’s Championship; the German outfit boasts a solid development program and is known for adeptly adapting to new engine regulations. Given the focus on engines in the 2026 regulations, the team becomes even more enticing for drivers aspiring to join George Russell on their 2026 lineup.
So, who’s expected to join the team? Speculation about possible recruits has been rampant since the surprising news broke. Toto Wolff, addressing the press on Friday, dismissed Sebastian Vettel as a prospect, stating that he closed that F1 chapter for himself.
Two unexpected names have surfaced amidst the rumors; the previous RedBull juniors Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon. The rumours in regards to the Perth driver were swiftly denied by Helmut Marko, who insisted to F1-Insider that Daniel Ricciardo is not available to move to Mercedes due to a long-term contract with VCarb and Red Bull.
The Albon rumours gained traction when Peter Windsor said that he might be moving back to Red Bull: “As I understand it, Albon has been offered a 3-year contract by Red Bull to start in 2025. So I think you are going to see him alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull”
“I can’t imagine he is going to say no to it. As I understand, it’s not a 100% but 90% correct.”
However, conflicting reports suggest that the Austrian team is not actively pursuing Alex Albon. A source told Planet F1’s Thomas Maher that Albon’s camp might be manipulating the news to draw attention from Mercedes for his services.
Other names circulating include Fernando Alonso, the two-time World Champion who has a contract with Aston Martin but is widely considered a potential candidate for the Mercedes seat, given his impressive performance in the 2023 season.
Mick Schumacher is also a viable option as the German driver shifts focus to Endurance racing with Alpine while retaining his position as the team’s reserve driver.
In conclusion, Mercedes faces the decision of whether to entrust George Russell with leading the team after the departure of the seven-time World Champion or to choose a more experienced driver.
