Wolff named four candidates for a seat at Mercedes

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has named four potential candidates who could replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025.

When asked by Australian Fox Sports whether reigning world champion Max Verstappen was the first choice, Toto said: “Yes, just look at his performance level. But I don’t want to leave out other candidates.

First of all, we have to ask ourselves what we can do with the machine. After that, choosing a second driver will be easier because we already have George Russell, who has the potential to become world champion. The real problem the team needs to solve is the car problem, not a magical solution by bringing in a great driver.

Since we were stunned that Lewis made a decision too quickly, I don’t want to rush now. We are the only one of the three leading teams to have an open spot. But if Max decides to leave [из Red Bull]then we have no free space.

There are some very interesting options for us: from a super young talent to an older and very experienced rider. But we will not make a decision in the coming weeks or months, as I want to continue to monitor the situation in the pilot market.”

Toto Wolff explained that by young talent he means Kimi Antonelli, participant of the Mercedes youth program: “As I said, a lot will depend on Max’s decision. But we have a young and promising man. I don’t want to put more pressure on him, but he seems to have the potential to become one of the greats. However, we don’t want to rush things and put him behind the wheel of Formula 1 at the age of 17. We have a few other options for him that we can take advantage of.

Of course, there is Fernando Alonso on the market – a very interesting option, and Carlos Sainz, who is very good. There is a choice, and the choice is not easy!”