03 February 2024 , 06:00
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Lewis Hamilton's impending departure leaves Toto Wolff with a considerable headache.
The seven-time world champion is heading to Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season. So Mercedes chief Wolff has to find the right person to fill the massive hole that will be left by one of the greatest ever Formula 1 drivers. Fortunately, two significant factors are on his side.
Firstly, he has plenty of time to make his decision with Hamilton not leaving for another 11 months. And, perhaps most significantly, Mercedes are not short of options - there are plenty of experienced drivers out there who will be chomping at the bit for a chance to race for one of the top teams. And, if they prefer, they can call upon one of the several talented youngsters who are waiting patiently for their big breaks. Here are some of the early candidates for the seat:
Carlos Sainz
Naturally, seeing as we now know Carlos Sainz will be on the move at the end of this year, he will be linked heavily with a Mercedes move. The Spaniard is a race winner now but Ferrari opted to keep Charles Leclerc instead, so he will have to move on to pastures new. Sainz has been most heavily linked with the new Audi F1 project but, if he hasn't already committed to that, the appeal of another top seat with Mercedes may prove to be strong. And he is a good, experienced option for Wolff.
Alexander Albon
Alex Albon is in demand thanks to his superb Williams performances (Getty Images)Just three years ago he was without an F1 seat following a gruelling 18 months at Red Bull. But Alex Albon has revitalised his career with Williams and single-handedly pushed the sleeping giants up to seventh in the championship last term. As a result of his stellar performances and results, every top team is keeping tabs on the British-Thai racer and Mercedes will surely consider him. They may face a battle for his signature, but their close relationship with Williams could help them to get the deal done.
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Esteban Ocon
Perhaps a slightly left-field option at first glance, Esteban Ocon is highly thought of up and down the grid. He is an F1 race winner and has established himself at Alpine in the last few years, although it looks to be a team that has been cut adrift from the top half of the standings. His career continues to be managed by Mercedes, so it should be a straightforward enough deal should Wolff decide to go with the Frenchman. And Ocon would surely jump at the chance to finally test himself in a top seat.
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso is still scoring podiums at the age of 42 (Getty Images)A much, much more left-field choice. Fernando Alonso was talked about a lot in the immediate aftermath of the Hamilton news, on social media and by some big names. Jenson Button was one of those who poured fuel on the flames when he declared live on Sky Sports how much he would love to see the Spaniard join Mercedes, aged 43. It seems unlikely, though, with Alonso happy at Aston Martin. And the Silver Arrows would be better served by hiring a longer-term option.
Promote from within?
Wolff said on Friday he has the chance to make a "bold" choice - and what would be more bold than to throw a talented young driver straight in at the deep end? After all, he is certain that George Russell has what it takes to step up and lead the team in Hamilton's absence. Could it be reserve driver Mick Schumacher's ticket back to the F1 grid? Or perhaps last year's Formula 2 runner-up Frederik Vesti will get the nod. Maybe even teenage sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli can push himself into contention if he shines in F2 this year...