P1racenews AI automatic summary:
With Lewis Hamilton sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 world with confirmation of his switch to Ferrari for 2025 imminent,
Carlos Sainz, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Mick Schumacher are potential candidates to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Carlos Sainz, a proven Grand Prix winner, may opt for a one-year stint in Stake F1 colors before Sauber transforms a year later. 17-year-old rising star Kimi Antonelli could be promoted from within and molded into F1’s next superstar. Alex Albon has reinvented himself as a capable team leader at Williams and has a close relationship with George Russell. Fernando Alonso may be tempted to join Mercedes for one last bid for a third title. Esteban Ocon, a GP winner and long-term loanee to Alpine, could be a promotion from within. Pierre Gasly, another Grand Prix winner, could be a sensible option for a team with better title prospects. Mick Schumacher, despite being a part of the Mercedes Driver Programme, may not have a competitive F1 CV compared to others on the list.
