One of the hottest seats in F1 is up for grabs come 2025. But should Mercedes opt for an old Lewis Hamilton foe, a shorter-term solution or put the pressure on its protege? This is Toto Wolff’s dilemma…
MATT KEW
5 SEBASTIAN VETTEL
Vettel retired at the end of 2022 to pursue life outside of F1, so his interest is assumed rather than a given. But he’s always left the door open when quizzed about a comeback. A competitive Mercedes berth would be tempting. He’s in regular contact with Wolff, who can see the benefits of Vettel’s experience alongside lead driver George Russell and who might need a short-term option until hotshot Andrea Kimi Antonelli is ready.
4 ALEX ALBON
When Albon signed a new contract with Williams in 2022, he finally cut formal ties with Red Bull. His independence, stellar performances, personability and knowledge of the Mercedes powertrain would all be assets. But he was chewed up and spat out by Max Verstappen so reservations may remain. Plus, Red Bull has already offered him a proposal for 2026 so Albon might not want to keep his options open for long.
3 CARLOS SAINZ
Hasn’t Sainz had enough of being a number two driver? His standing at Ferrari has been obvious and he’d be destined for similar status behind Russell at Mercedes. He is quick, has kept Charles Leclerc honest and is fiercely intelligent, so Wolff could do a lot worse. But would Sainz accept being a seat warmer f
