Lewis Hamilton tells Toto Wolff who he’d pick to replace him as Mercedes make confession
Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season and it is yet to be seen who will partner George Russell next year, but he’s let Toto Wolff know who he’d choose
Toto Wolff has a big task on his hands to replace Lewis Hamilton (
Lewis Hamilton has thrown his backing behind the idea of Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepping into his shoes at Mercedes.
It’s yet to decided who will take over from Hamilton as he gears up for a switch to Ferrari next season. Antonelli, just 17, skipped Formula 3 to jump straight into F2 this year and has been turning heads with his performances.
The young prodigy has been tearing up the junior ranks and looks set for an F1 berth sooner rather than later. Hamilton, speaking at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, made it clear that age shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to talent, reports the Express.
When quizzed about Carlos Sainz, who’s vacating his spot at Ferrari for Hamilton, he said: “Carlos is a great driver, so I think wherever he goes I think he would be a positive for any team.
“Honestly, I have no idea what Toto’s plans are, but for me, taking on a youngster, if it was my role, I would probably take on Kimi.”
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has downplayed speculation, clarifying that they haven’t sought an exemption for Antonelli to obtain a super licence before turning 18, contrary to some reports.
Wolff explained: “So many stories were created, and it doesn’t do him any favours because he needs to concentrate on his F2 campaign. He’s doing lots of testing for us to bring him up to speed.”
He also noted that the decision on Hamilton’s successor is not imminent, saying: “I think this decision of the second driver is weeks if not months away. We didn’t make any approach to the FIA about getting an earlier release.”
Wolff is wary of heaping too much expectation on the young shoulders of Antonelli, stating: “We are hyping the young man for a long time now. He will be a very good and a great driver one day in Formula 1, but he is 17.
“14 months ago, he drove an F4 car and there’s so much expectation in Italy and we [are also] a little bit guilty also about talking about him at that stage. I think we should let him do his F2 thing and deliver results and not be too carried away with what could be or should be.”
However, he did hint at Mercedes’ interest in him during an interview with Sky in Imola, suggesting that Mercedes could “shine more with an Italian in our car”. Max Verstappen has also been suggested as a potential replacement for Hamilton, although his contract with Red Bull extends until 2028.
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