F1 team Mercedes AMG Petronas recently announced the departure of seven-time World Drivers’ Championship winner Lewis Hamilton after the 2024 season, and the consequences are being felt across the grid.
The man he will be replacing, Carlos Sainz, announced he would be leaving Ferrari after the 2024 season the same day.
Lewis Hamilton. (Photo by Michael Potts/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Sainz is arguably the best strategist on the grid, as demonstrated by his world-class win in Singapore last season, which has left many fans perplexed.
Why would Ferrari attempt to sign another star driver to their current lineup of Charles Leclerec, instead of keeping one strategist and one so-called ‘star boy’? There is no doubt Hamilton and Leclerec are both brilliant drivers, but that is exactly why they will struggle together at Ferrari. Both fight every race for a place on the podium, even if it is at the expense of the other driver. This could be detrimental to Ferrari’s attempt to dethrone reigning world champion Max Verstappen during the 2025 season.
The issue of two first choice drivers at one team has caused issues in other cases before. Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen’s crash at Baku in 2018 is another example. Both drivers were forced to apologise to every member of the crew present at the time by team principal Christian Horner. This is said to have led to Ricciardo’s eventual departure of RedcBull, which only spikes questions about whether or not Leclerc will see himself out with the arrival of Hamilton.
Charles Leclerc is, according to many, a better driver than Hamilton, as proven by his success in 2022 with 14 podiums with Ferrari. Many would argue that he deserves a better car, even with his impressive streak. His contract has been extended to 2026, and from then on he will consider his future.
Next in line for a reshuffle is Mercedes. The obvious answer is to take the trade of Sainz from Ferrari, however there are two other possible replacements for the seven time world champion.
Esteban Ocon is currently 27 years of age, and is a fierce competitor when in the right car. He started his career at the Mercedes development program, and is currently managed by Mercedes team principal and shareholder Toto Wolff. Currently driving for Alpine F1 Team, he is eager to get in a faster car.
The other possible option for Mercedes is more of a two-man job. The thought of signing the oldest driver on the grid, Fernando Alonso might make some baulk, but if Mercedes are patient for future star boy Kimi Antonelli, who is currently 17 years old and racing for Mercedes Junior Team, Alonso will retire on a high while current driver George Russell will become the elder in the team.
Whether they choose to take a chance on Ocon or wait for their wonderkid, Mercedes surely want to get their winning streak back, even without Hamilton.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Agree with you about Verstappen yet will forever live in the view that the discrepancy in cars made Hamilton look a whole lot better than he actually was.
Blink
Roar Rookie
Complete nonsense Stuart. The lead driver dictates what he wants and the speed of the car. Hamilton has been outstanding for Merc but they decided to stop listening to him and listen now to Russell instead. No surprise that Mercedes and Hamilton are parked in reverse. You do not win 7 WDCs by accident. Currently he would be rated the best of all time but Verstappen has demonstrated a higher level of driving ability in the last few years. There has never been a more committed or professional driver than Verstappen. His practice routine is as extreme as is his desire to win. I doubt we will ever see another Verstappen. The guy takes everything to the limit quite comfortably because he practices non stop.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
He certainly is there waiting in the wings yet his performances suggest he struggles to get to the shops and back in one piece. Mercedes surely will need someone competent?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Three more moves for Ricciardo and he will be well on the way to having represented every team on the grid.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Let's get Alex to Mercedes.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yep, I've also called a potential tough year for Lando against Oscar. I thought he might surprise him.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I called a tough year for Hamilton with Russell this year. I think he has him covered and race one certainly played out that way. He is no chance against Leclerc. Simply the most over rated driver who was gifted a rocket ship that made him look far better than he was.
Sarah Thomas
Roar Rookie
I agree. My first thought after the news broke with Hamilton was that history was repeating itself. Piastri's battle with Norris is going to be the richest rivalry in the sport, and will surely open up a McLaren seat depending on who outperforms who.
Sarah Thomas
Roar Rookie
I think Ricciardo is skilled and talented enough to win, but doesn't have the mentality. Schumacher still has the pressure of his father on his shoulders. He is also so far off the quality of George Russell it's humorous.
Blink
Roar Rookie
There is zero chance Mercedes will employ Ricciardo and that he would join them. He's dam lucky to be where he is. He is no longer a WDC threat. I fancy M Shumacher has a chance as his father is a legend and he fits the number 2 position pretty well providing he stops crashing in non racing conditions.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
He would be the number two driver behind Russell, unofficially but realistically. If Ricciardo was prepared to accept that and help with the car's development whilst still being competitive enough if the Brit stumbles, it might be a better fit than his current big fish in small pond situation. A left field option would be to bring back Bottas, who has the advantage of experience with the team and previous versions of the car.
Sarah Thomas
Roar Rookie
Logically that seems to fit best for both Mercedes and Ricciardo's career, however, I believe Ricciardo would be to scared to move to a team with such a chance of winning. Since he left Redbull, I struggle to believe he would move to Mercedes.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Hey Stuart. I'm also looking forward to Oscar's battle with Norris. I also think Hamilton will end up like Vettel when he went to Ferrari, in that he won't win a world title for Ferrari. Finally, with the NRL about to start and F1 roaring into action, it's all systems go.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I agree about Leclerc. I'm tipping he will have Hamilton's measure. Sainz would be an interesting move to Merc. Poor guys seems to get shunted from everywhere he goes whenever the seats reshuffle. I also think the Oscar/Lando battle could be a ripper this season. Bring on testing!
andrew
Roar Rookie
Good article Sarah. I think Hamilton will have his work cut out with Leclerc, who I think is one of the best drivers in F1. Let’s see how Hamilton goes this year in his swansong with Mercedes. Sainz at Mercedes? interesting proposition.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Welcome to the Roar, Sarah. If Mercedes are looking for a seat-holder for Antonelli, Ricardo might come into play if he is left in the poorly named team. Alonso is still doing Alonso things, but he might want to stay where he is. He's clearly the #1 driver at Aston Martin and, second half of the season notwithstanding, in a car that he may believe in more.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A nice summation of the situation. Reserve driver Schumacher is surely no chance of the Mercedes seat? Personally, Ocon looks the most likely.