The efficiency of George Russell might play a pivotal function in influencing Mercedes’ selection for Lewis Hamilton’s substitute, as steered by Sky Sports activities’ consultants.
The first dilemma dealing with Toto Wolff’s crew revolves round deciding on somebody able to filling the appreciable footwear of the seven-time F1 champion, who is about to affix Ferrari within the upcoming season.
The result of Russell’s efficiency in comparison with Hamilton’s of their last season collectively might maintain important weight in making this vital resolution.
Among the many contenders for the function are teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli and two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso.
Simon Lazenby pondering on the repercussions of Hamilton’s exit at Mercedes remarked: “The mud has settled now, you begin considering what the repercussions are for everyone else.
“That’s what occurs with a transfer like this. None of us noticed it coming and that’s the great thing about it. It caught us all off guard.
“It asks inquiries to what would possibly occur, and the stress it places onto Charles Leclerc.
“If he was the de facto chief and he’s the golden boy of Ferrari for plenty of years, swiftly there’s now the spectre of Lewis about to reach.
“Can Carlos now flip this case onto its head, put stress early onto Leclerc, outshine him, and put himself within the store window for others.
“I’m wondering if he might think about going again to Purple Bull. For George now? Mercedes and he have a very essential first half of the season.
“If he can go toe-to-toe with Lewis and set up himself because the true No1, perhaps they take a threat with Antonelli.
“If he doesn’t? Does that convey Fernando Alonso extra into play? There are such a lot of questions that come from it.”
Rachel Brookes, concurring with fellow pundit Simon Lazenby commented: “Antonelli, I agree. I feel he could possibly be the reply to that Mercedes seat, however he’s nonetheless obtained to race in Method 2 this season. Let’s see what occurs there.
“Then, in the event you don’t choose him, is it value getting Fernando for one 12 months when the engine rules are altering once more in 2026?
“Who else do you place in that seat? My tip could be Lando Norris however it can value an terrible lot to get him out of that McLaren contract!”
Lazenby replied: “There’s a possibility if we have a look at this, for 2025. Max Verstappen in a Purple Bull, Hamilton in a Ferrari, Alonso doubtlessly in a Mercedes or George in a Mercedes and Alonso stays at Aston Martin, and Lando in a McLaren.”
Brookes mentioned: “Within the final 12 months of rules when all of it will get shut, anyway.”
Lazenby then added: “We’ve at all times wished to see Alonso, Verstappen and Hamilton go toe-to-toe within the prime three vehicles.”
