According to Sky Sports experts, George Russell’s form might determine who Mercedes choose to replace Lewis Hamilton.
Choosing a replacement for seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton, who will be joining Ferrari for the upcoming season, is a critical decision for Toto Wolff’s squad.
The decision might come down to whether Russell can outperform Hamilton in their final season together.
Names in the running include Fernando Alonso, the two-time F1 winner, and teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
As Simon Lazenby put it, “the dust has settled.” “You begin considering the consequences for all other people.
“With a move like this, that is what occurs.”
“It’s amazing that none of us anticipated it.”
We were all unprepared for it.
It raises concerns about potential outcomes and the strain it places on A) Charles Leclerc.
“If he was the unofficial leader and Ferrari’s golden boy for a while, then suddenly there’s the ghost of Lewis on the horizon.
Can Carlos now turn things around, put Leclerc under pressure early, surpass him, and place himself in the position where others can see him?
![George Russell's Rise: Mercedes Contemplates Lewis Hamilton Succession Amid Stellar Form 2 Lewis Hamilton and George Russell](https://i0.wp.com/talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/11/george-russell-great-britain-mercedes-776143410.jpg?resize=4287%2C2412&ssl=1)
“I wonder whether he would think about returning to Red Bull.
“For George right now? He and Mercedes have a very significant first half of the season.
“Maybe they take a chance with Antonelli if he can match Lewis and prove to be the real No. 1.”
Should he fail to do so? Does that make Fernando Alonso more relevant? “It raises a lot of questions,”
And Rachel Brookes said, “Antonelli, I concur.” He might be the solution for that Mercedes seat, in my opinion.
However, he still needs to compete in Formula 2 races this year. Watch what transpires there.
“Then, when the engine regulations change again in 2026, is it worth getting Fernando for a year if you don’t choose him?
“Who else would you place in that chair?”Lando Norris is my choice, although it will be very expensive to release him from his McLaren contract.
“If we look at this, there’s an opportunity for 2025,” Lazenby retorted.
Alonso might drive a Mercedes, Hamilton drives a Ferrari, and Max Verstappen drives a Red Bull.
“Or Lando drives a McLaren, George drives a Mercedes, and Alonso remains at Aston Martin.”
“In the final year of regulations when it all gets close,” stated Brookes.
“We’ve always wanted to see a race between Alonso, Verstappen, and Hamilton among the top three cars,” said Lazenby.
“Will we see a sea of red in the grandstands when we get to Silverstone 2025?” questioned Martin Brundle.