Following the bombshell announcement of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2025, the Formula 1 community was hit with a shockwave of surprise. It was a sudden and surprising news for everyone, especially for those on the Mercedes side.
Mercedes is ready to move on from this and now looks busy finding answers to the heated topic as to ‘who should be Hamilton’s ideal replacement’. Out of the many names that are being thrown around, one name that ticks a lot of boxes, is that of Ex-World Champion Fernando Alonso.
Why Fernando Alonso is Mercedes’ ideal F1 2025 candidate?
At 42 years old, Aston Martin’s driver Fernando Alonso holds the title of the oldest driver in the current Formula 1 lineup. Despite his age, Alonso remains one of the most accomplished drivers, boasting two World Championships to solidify his credentials.
Unbeknownst to many, Alonso stands as the sole active Spanish F1 driver to have clinched the World Championship title. Throughout his illustrious two-decade-long career, he has notched up an impressive record, securing victory in 32 Grand Prix races, clinching 22 pole positions, and amassing over 2000 points from 377 starts.
Over the years, Alonso has competed for renowned teams such as Alpine (formerly Renault), McLaren, Ferrari, and currently, Aston Martin.
At 42 years, he’s showing no signs of stopping. This was clearly on display with his last season’s performance. In fact, his start to the 2023 season was better than Lewis Hamilton’s. He gave a good competition to Hamilton throughout 2023, before finishing at 4th position in the Driver’s Championship, just 28 points shy of the Mercedes driver.
If Mercedes want an ex-World Champion with tons of experience to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025, Fernando Alonso fits the bill perfectly as an ‘ideal’ candidate.
One ex-Red Bull driver has even backed up Fernando Alonso for this job, advising Mercedes to sign him immediately.
Ex Red Bull driver urges Mercedes to secure Fernando Alonso
Ex-Red Bull driver, David Coulthard is clear that Mercedes should sign Fernando Alonso. Speaking on the ‘Formula for Success‘ podcast, the former RB man backed Alonso to replace Hamilton, saying, “If I was Mercedes, I would take Alonso over [Sebastian] Vettel”.
“He’s race fit, he understands the engine, the power unit, because of Aston Martin and he’s still gladiatorial and got the bit between his teeth”, he added.
“Yes, maybe Seb was just struggling a little bit with the development of the Aston when he was there. But he wasn’t, sort of, putting manners on Lance Stroll in the way that we have seen from Fernando Alonso. So, if I could get Fernando, I’d take him.”
Other names have also been suggested by authoritative voices from the F1 community. This list includes the likes of Ferrari incumbent Carlos Sainz, now a free agent, Williams’ Alex Albon and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, and even the retired Sebastian Vettel.
Do you think Fernando Alonso should replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes? Or should Mercedes opt for someone else? Let us know your opinions in the comments.
