Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari: Who could replace him at Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton is set to end his 12-year association with Mercedes to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, according to widespread reports.

Hamilton, 39, has won six of his seven Formula 1 world titles while racing for Mercedes but has not been in championship contention since 2021, with the last three championships having been clinched by Max Verstappen.

A formal announcement by Mercedes regarding Hamilton’s impending exit will reportedly be made on Thursday, with factory staff set to be briefed by team boss Toto Wolff earlier in the day.

Possible replacements for Hamilton

While the majority of the focus surrounding Hamilton’s exit will centre around his future with Ferrari, there is also intrigue surrounding the future of Mercedes, and who will replace him as George Russell’s teammate at the Brackley-based team.

Here are some of the main contenders…

Carlos Sainz

Sainz is the man who is being replaced at Ferrari, with Hamilton due to take his seat in the 2025 season. Sainz currently races alongside Charles Leclerc for the legendary Italian team, but it is Leclerc who is remaining with Ferrari after signing a new contract last week.

Sainz, who previously raced for Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren, has two race wins and 18 podium finishes to his name in his career.

Alex Albon

Albon enjoyed an impressive 2023 season, helping Williams to secure a seventh-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.

The 27-year-old secured all but one of the team’s 28 points last season to add to his growing reputation in the sport.

Mercedes have recent history for promoting from within, elevating Russell from a Williams seat to a Mercedes one in 2022, and a similar move could be on the cards for Albon next year.

Esteban Ocon

Another driver whose contract expires next year, Ocon had a decent 2023, securing 58 points for Alpine as they finished sixth, including a podium finish in Monaco.

Ocon was a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2019 but did not take part in a race. Could he get his chance in 2025?