F1 Rumour: Promising Mercedes Junior Driver "Plan A" For Lewis Hamilton's Seat

Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is thought to be the first plan for the Brackley-based squad to drive alongside George Russell in 2025.

Mercedes may have identified a young talent as their primary option to succeed Lewis Hamilton following his surprising move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso is keeping the F1 world guessing about his next steps, amidst a significant reshuffle in the driver market and indications he is the Brackley-based squad's second option.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes is reportedly considering Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a promising young driver, as the top choice to fill Lewis Hamilton's seat when he departs for Ferrari in 2025.
• Fernando Alonso remains non-committal about extending his stay with Aston Martin, sparking speculation about his future in Formula 1.
• Alonso is demonstrating his readiness for new challenges, maintaining peak physical condition and expressing his commitment to competing at the highest level.

Mercedes Press Image

As the F1 community reels from Lewis Hamilton's unexpected decision to join Ferrari, attention has swiftly turned to who might take up the mantle at Mercedes. According to The Race, among the frontrunners is Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a young driver currently under Mercedes' wing, who is seen as a potential successor in what could be a pivotal moment for the team.

Amidst this, Fernando Alonso's future has become a topic of intrigue. The seasoned driver, currently with Aston Martin, has left his options open, refraining from committing to a contract extension. This move has fuelled rumours about Alonso's aspirations and possible alignment with Mercedes, especially given his reputation for seeking out competitive opportunities.

Alonso's position as a free agent for 2025 positions him as a tantalising option for teams seeking a blend of experience and proven competitive edge. For Mercedes, while the focus seems to be on nurturing Antonelli, Alonso could represent a compelling choice, should the younger driver need further development. 

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