17 February 2024 , 13:06
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Out-of-contract Alpine star Pierre Gasly has been tipped to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025.
Hamilton, 39, recently sent shockwaves around the world of Formula 1 after his move to Ferrari - at the end of the upcoming season - was confirmed. Now Mercedes, who last guided Hamilton to a world championship in 2020, are in the process of drawing up a succession plan.
But with vacant seats also coming at Red Bull, Aston Martin, Sauber and other rivals, Toto Wolff and co don't have forever to make their move. While two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is the odds-on favourite to succeed Hamilton and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz has also been mentioned as a contender, a report from F1.com states that talks between Mercedes and Gasly are 'anticipated'.
The Frenchman's deal expires at the end of this year, as does that of teammate Esteban Ocon, who's also in the mix to replace Hamilton. It's added that Gasly's management team are preparing to explore potential new opportunities for the 28-year-old, who earned a Grand Prix podium and a top-three Sprint finish last season.
When asked about his future and the potential for a move to Mercedes following Hamilton's shock announcement, Gasly was coy. "It's the last year of the contract," he affirmed.
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"At the minute, my main focus is with Alpine. I'm fully onboard with the team. We know what we signed for. That's what I'm fully working on. There are conversations going on with the team with Alpine, seeing what we want to do in the future."
Gasly continued: "I'm feeling a lot more complete than I was a few years ago. [I'm in] my prime, I've just turned 28. I'm feeling physically and mentally very well."
Your turn! Who should replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
Pierre Gasly's contract will expire in December (BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)Meanwhile, Alpine team principal Bruno Famin has confirmed that contract talks with both Gasly and Ocon had already started prior to Ferrari's swoop for Hamilton. "We are transparent. They are transparent," Famin added.
"We know what we want. We will see how the market develops. Of course, we are looking at everything. We have to be ready in case. Nobody knows what can happen. Let's be vigilant."
Despite brewing competition from rival teams and a merry-go-round of drivers expected to ensue, boss Wolff claims that Mercedes aren't in any rush to find a partner for George Russell in time for the 2025 campaign. "We're going to take our time." the Silver Arrows chief told CNBC.
"I think the spectrum is from the very young talent which could be the future for a long, long time to all the way to the other spectrum, lots of still performance and knowledge. So I'm not sure where this is going to end. But the next few months are going to be interesting in evaluating all those options."