Which direction will Mercedes look in to find a replacement for Lewis Hamilton in 2025?
Valtteri Bottas has been tipped to be the ideal “stop-gap” option for Mercedes to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton for the F1 2025 season.
Mercedes remain on the hunt for Hamilton’s successor after the seven-time World Champion announced in February that he will join Ferrari on a multi-year contract from next season, ending his long and successful alliance with the German manufacturer.
Valtteri Bottas to return to Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton replacement?
There are speculations that Carlos Sainz, who will be replaced by Hamilton at Ferrari, Max Verstappen, the current World Champion, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a talented 17-year-old Italian driver from Mercedes, could potentially join George Russell as his partners in F1 2025.
Antonelli has been considered Mercedes’ top choice to replace Hamilton for quite some time. However, the team may need to consider other options due to concerns about the teenager’s lack of experience.
Appearing on the F1 Nation podcast, FIA press conference host Tom Clarkson reiterated his claim that Antonelli – who turns 18, the age at which drivers are eligible for an F1 superlicence, on the day of the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August – is highly likely to replace Logan Sargeant at Williams for the second half of the season.
If Antonelli is not promoted to Mercedes by 2025, he considers Bottas, who secured 10 wins for the Silver Arrows from 2017 to 2021, as the ideal choice for a temporary agreement.
Bottas, who has strong connections to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, is facing an unpredictable path in F1 following Sauber’s recent announcement of Nico Hulkenberg’s signing. Additionally, Sauber, expected to transform into Audi for F1’s upcoming era in 2026, has reportedly made a substantial offer to Sainz as well.
PlanetF1.com recommends
Follow PlanetF1.com’s WhatsApp channel for all the F1 breaking news!
Lewis Hamilton now finally has a chance to escape the ghosts of Abu Dhabi 2021
“Antonelli is desired by Toto Wolff for a long-term association with Mercedes,” remarked Clarkson.
The main consideration is whether he will be prepared by 2025 or if he will be sent to another team to gain experience and then return to Mercedes after a few years.
There has been talk in China over the weekend about Antonelli joining the second Williams team alongside Alex Albon starting from the summer break.
“He will reach the age of 18 towards the end of August. I believe Williams is currently seeking special permission from the FIA to allow him to join earlier.”
“Max was able to compete in Formula 1 at 17, so why can’t Kimi Antonelli? However, I believe the rules have been established now, and I doubt there will be any exceptions granted.”
I predict that Antonelli will take over Sargeant’s position in the Williams team during the latter part of the season. Additionally, I believe that James Vowles will not be satisfied with anything shorter than a duration of 18 months.
“In my opinion, Mercedes will likely seek a temporary solution for a year. However, Carlos Sainz is unlikely to be interested in such a short-term contract as he would prefer a longer commitment.”
Could Bottas possibly serve as a temporary solution for Mercedes in 2025?
“He possesses an extensive knowledge of the team, having won 10 races, making it the most preferable choice for him compared to any other available options.”
If Bottas ultimately joins Mercedes, it seems likely that Sainz’s choices would be limited to Red Bull or Audi.
I believe he will consider the long-term perspective and conclude that Audi is a more favorable choice compared to Red Bull. This is due to various changes and the strong commitment shown by Audi and Red Bull Powertrains, while there are uncertainties surrounding the latter.
If Bottas were to return to Mercedes, he would find himself competing against Russell once more. Russell showcased his exceptional skills when he filled in for Hamilton at the Sakhir 2020 race, as Hamilton was unable to participate due to illness.
Russell’s display at Bahrain created a competition for the second Mercedes position against Bottas, as both drivers endured a severe collision in challenging weather conditions at Imola in the subsequent season.
Bottas, who started his Formula 1 career with Williams in 2013, is set to celebrate his 35th birthday in August.
Read next: Max Verstappen to Mercedes? The arguments for and against shock Red Bull exit
