Lewis Hamilton’s surprising departure from Mercedes at the end of 2024 to join Ferrari will be remembered as one of the most significant driver movements in Formula One history.
With more than half of the grid out of contract, the driver market’silly season’ was always going to be a big theme until 2024.
But no one expected it to start this early, a month before the new season, especially by a driver whose future appeared to be set. Hamilton’s two-year contract, revealed in August, was actually a ‘1+1’ arrangement, paving the way for his departure to Ferrari.
It will have a significant impact on the driver market, opening up one of the most sought-after places on the Formula One grid. Filling the shoes of a seven-time world champion, whose success is synonymous with the team’s, will be a monumental task.
Which drivers are up for the challenge? Here are the likely prospects to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s exit is a major blow to Mercedes after a long partnership spanning his entire F1 career. Hamilton’s first Formula One title, won with McLaren in 2008, occurred while Mercedes was the leading team.
Hamilton stated while signing his new Mercedes deal in August that he had “unfinished business” with the team and that there was “no place I would rather be.”
