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Lewis Hamilton believes Carlos Sainz might not be a suitable replacement for his seat at Mercedes for 2025 and beyond. Speaking to media including Sportskeeda in Imola, the British champion felt that F2 driver Kimi Antonelli would be a better choice to replace him.
Antonelli has completed two successful tests with old cars at Imola and Silverstone in the last four weeks. In the last test, he was evaluated against Mick Schumacher in the W12 and the results were speculated to be exceptional. Both James Vowles and James Allison have come out praising the Mercedes junior driver. Currently, the Italian driver is being linked with Williams and Mercedes but won't be eligible for a super license until he turns 18.
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With Mercedes being one of the options for Sainz too, the 17-year-old remains one of the key contenders to block his chances. Lewis Hamilton praised the Spaniard’s talent but felt Antonelli was his choice if he were in Toto Wolff’s shoes. The Briton’s admission came on a day where there was speculation in the paddock about the junior driver has been discussed extensively.
Asked if Sainz was a good replacement for his seat for 2025, Lewis Hamilton replied:
“I think 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 I think for me, taking on a youngster, it would be if it was my job, or was my role, I would take on Kimi.”
Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?
According to paddock speculation in Imola, Mercedes are still waiting on the decision that Max Verstappen takes before they decide on a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman’s future is supposed to be linked with Helmut Marko’s future with Red Bull. Verstappen has been clear about the fact that if he continues to drive with Red Bull, the Austrian veteran needs to be a part of the team.
Apart from the Red Bull champion, Mercedes has choices like Carlos Sainz and their junior driver Kimi Antonelli. It is understood that their priority remains with signing their F2 protege and therefore if they were to sign the Spaniard, the contract could be short-term. The Ferrari driver has been clear that he is looking at a medium-term contract option with teams such as Audi, Red Bull, and Mercedes.
It is understood that Mercedes are being patient and do not want to be hasty in their decision to replace Lewis Hamilton for 2025. In Miami, FIA confirmed to Sportskeeda that there was a request for a super license to be considered for Antonelli by Williams. There was speculation about the 17-year-old replacing Logan Sargeant mid-year at the Grove-based team, but the speculation was dismissed by James Vowles. At the moment, it seems that Mercedes will wait at least until July before they can take a call on their driver lineup for 2025.
