Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff Remains Calm in Search for Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement Amidst Resurgent Form
Formula 1 News, Formula 1 Standings, Formula 1 Calendar, Formula 1 Qualifying
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has emphasized that the squad’s recent resurgence in form will not sway their decision-making process when selecting Lewis Hamilton’s replacement. Despite the Brackley-based outfit’s struggles at the start of the season, key updates, including an upgraded front wing introduced at the Monaco Grand Prix, have propelled them ahead of Ferrari and into a fierce battle with Red Bull and McLaren.
The team’s recent success, punctuated by George Russell’s pole position and podium in Canada, and a first victory since Brazil 2022 at the Austrian Grand Prix, has not altered Wolff’s approach to choosing Hamilton’s successor. Hamilton, a seven-time champion, will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the season.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a talented young driver, has been a strong contender for promotion after just one F2 season. However, Wolff remains calm and focused on the season, stating, “It doesn’t influence our thinking. I’ve always said we need a car that goes quick and when we have a car that goes quick, we put the driver in and we get interesting. Interesting for many drivers.”
Several drivers, including Carlos Sainz, are available to fill the vacancy. Antonelli’s rookie F2 season has been marked by struggles, but Wolff pointed out that the entire Prema team, including Haas’ confirmed 2025 driver Oliver Bearman, has struggled for form. Wolff’s recent comment that Antonelli needed to “learn to swim” and “perform in cold water” was responded to by the Italian, who impressively won the F2 sprint race in sodden conditions.
“F2 is so difficult this year because the car… you can see that him and Bearman are struggling a lot with the car and he isn’t happy with his driving and not [having] the pace in the race. But seeing him on Saturday walking over the water, at times two seconds quicker than everybody else, you can see the talent and the ability and the potential this young guy has.”
As Mercedes continues its strong form, Wolff’s search for Hamilton’s replacement remains focused on finding the right driver for the team. With several options available, Mercedes is poised to make a calculated decision that will secure their future success in the Formula 1 championship.
🔗 Source