P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ex-Formula 1 driver Christian Danners thinks Mercedes only need to “call” Fernando Alonso to get the Spaniard to replace Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton’s announcement of his 2025 switch to Ferrari has created an early start to the upcoming ‘silly season’ in Formula 1, with 13 drivers currently without contracts for next year. Speculation abounds regarding who will fill Hamilton’s seat, with names like Alex Albon and Mercedes Junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli being thrown into the mix. Despite Albon’s contract until the end of 2025 and Antonelli’s rising star status, current Reserve driver Mick Schumacher is also considered an option, racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. However, expert opinions suggest Fernando Alonso is a genuine contender for Hamilton’s seat, with only a call from Team Principal Toto Wolff needed to seal the deal. With Alonso possibly taking over, it could pave the way for Antonelli’s future development in F1, potentially with a lower team first. As decisions loom at Mercedes, including the development of George Russell, F1 fans can stay on top of the action with a convenient 2024 F1 calendar to keep track of the races.
