P1racenews AI automatic summary:
How Hamilton’s exit could leave the Mercedes F1 team in a tough spot
Hamilton’s recent signing with Mercedes for 2024 and 2025 has left room for potential exit clauses, opening up the possibility of a change of teams. This has made Ferrari reconsider its future driver line-up, as both Hamilton and Leclerc were proteges of team boss Fred Vasseur. While Leclerc’s contract has been confirmed, the delay in extending Carlos Sainz’s contract suggests that Hamilton’s availability has influenced Ferrari’s decision-making. This has created a void at Mercedes, as other key driver options have been taken off the market with contract renewals. The options for Mercedes include their young prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli, but it may be too soon to promote him to Formula 1. Another potential candidate for Mercedes could be Williams’ Alex Albon, as his strong performance and leadership qualities make him an attractive choice.
