How Should Mercedes Handle Hamilton’s Departure?
With Hamilton Leaving Mercedes After Eleven Historic Seasons, Young Drivers Are Now Looking to Fill the Gap

Paddock’s Mystery 🏎️
Lewis Hamilton just pulled a fast one and switched camps, leaving Mercedes for the iconic red Ferrari! The F1 world exploded faster than a champagne bottle after a podium finish, and now everyone’s buzzing with one question: who will replace the seven-time champ at Mercedes? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the hottest F1 rumors market gossip this side of the paddock!
It’s the biggest driver move in F1 history: Lewis Hamilton will wear Ferrari red from 2025 🤯
How did it happen, and what does Lewis’ move mean for Mercedes, Ferrari and the driver market? 👀
Listen now to our latest edition of the #F1Nation podcast 👇#F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 2, 2024
First up, there’s Esteban Ocon, Toto Wolff’s golden boy. Remember, this guy learned the ropes under the Silver Arrows’ boss himself. He’s been tearing it up at Alpine, giving even Alonso a run for his money, and almost snagged a top spot last F1 season. Sure, he might have a reputation for some spicy teammate rivalries, but hey, a little internal competition could be just the spark Mercedes needs to reignite their winning ways.
Carlos Sainz Jr. This Spaniard finds himself caught in the F1 news hurricane. He’s a rock at Ferrari, bringing experience and a winning mentality. Rumor has it he and Toto get along like two old mates, and whispers of talks between his team and the Silver Arrows have been swirling for ages.
But hold on, the deal isn’t signed, sealed, and delivered yet. Mercedes has options, and they’re not sweating bullets to make a decision.
Carlos Sainz winning Singapore will be a moment I will not shut up about ever.
— Cat ⁴ 💙 (@papayahorse) February 2, 2024
Finally, there is a wildcard in the Mercedes deck, and his name is Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This young prodigy has been turning heads, and it seems Mercedes is playing their cards right by putting him on the Formula 2 stage after his triumph in the Formula Regional European Championship. Talk about a meteoric rise!
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Antonelli’s immediate journey involves making a splash in F2. If he can pull off a stellar performance, we might witness the birth of a bona fide F1 star.
While Antonelli’s ascent would be nothing short of a fairytale, the pragmatic side of F1 suggests that Mercedes might opt for a seasoned campaigner. Someone who’s been there, done that, and knows how to wring every ounce of performance from an F1 machine.
The buzz around Lewis Hamilton net worth has reached a crescendo, with whispers of a deal worth a staggering USD 51 million on the table. Now, let’s be honest – that’s no pocket change. John Elkann, Ferrari’s formidable chairman, seems to have played his cards right, offering a sum that could make anyone’s head spin.
But some F1 gurus, armed with their crystal balls and insider knowledge, are speculating that Hamilton might be eyeing a paycheck closer to the USD 100 million mark. If true, this would catapult him to the summit of the highest-paid driver mountain.
Lewis Hamilton will earn over $100 million per year at Ferrari, making him the highest-paid F1 driver ever.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann will also put significant money toward Lewis Hamilton’s charitable initiatives.
They basically wrote him a blank check.
(h/t @GiulyDuchessa) pic.twitter.com/PJZyici2Rd
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 2, 2024
But, my friends, let’s not forget the ripple effect this move will have on the Ferrari dynamics. Charles Leclerc, the young prodigy, is about to get a crash course in high-pressure racing. The arrival of Hamilton as his teammate adds a layer of complexity to the Scuderia’s internal dynamics.
Yet, amidst the rivalry, there’s a silver lining. Leclerc, the budding star, gains an invaluable mentor in Hamilton. Picture this – the seasoned veteran sharing tricks of the trade, weaving a tapestry of experience for the young Monegasque driver. It’s a win-win – intense competition on the track, coupled with an opportunity for Leclerc to absorb wisdom from a racing maestro.
Lesson one. Learning to say hello pic.twitter.com/Erz1qXoUhR
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 2, 2024
Author: Sin City Sniper
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