Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been searching for a suitable replacement for Lewis Hamilton for a while now. Previously, the seven-time champion had shocked the F1 world when he announced his departure from the Silver Arrows. He said it was his childhood dream to race for Ferrari, and he has already achieved everything he could with the Brackley team. Moreover, the great Briton will turn 40 next year when he will make his debut for the Prancing Horse. Hence, it was high time for the German outfit to have a replacement ready for the seven-time champion.
Last year, it seemed Mick Schumacher was their choice for replacing Hamilton. Mick was the third driver of the team. But then when the search began this year, there were names like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen who were top favorites to replace the English racer. Other than the multiple-time world champions, the young prodigy from the F2 level, Andrea Kimi Antonelli was the top choice to take Hamilton’s seat. Lately, though, there have been rumors that Mercedes might sign the Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon.
Will Mercedes Sign Esteban Ocon As Replacement For Lewis Hamilton?
Recently, Esteban Ocon announced that he will be available in the Driver’s market at the end of the current season. He will part ways with the Alpine team after the 2024 season. Among the few free agents ahead of the next season, the Frenchman will be an option for Toto Wolff. Moreover, there are reports that suggest Ocon has few options too for 2025. Ocon and Wolff have close links as the Mercedes boss manages the Alpine driver to a certain extent. Hence, it gives rise to the speculations of Mercedes signing Esteban Ocon. But Craig Slater of Sky Sports suggest if that would have been the case then Toto Wolff would have made that announcement already. Slater added that it looks difficult for (Esteban) Ocon. Moreover, he told Sky Sports News, “That’s not going to happen.”
The Sky Sports reporter even made a grim suggestion that the Frenchman might not have a team or car for the upcoming season. Slater said, “Apparently, most of the doors look closed for Ocon at the moment.” Moreover, Craig Slater said he did his rounds and came to that conclusion. Slater doesn’t think Mercedes or Williams will sign Ocon. However, the French driver graduated from the Mercedes Junior Program. Slater feels the Haas team might take a chance on Ocon. Anyway, if no F1 team signs him, then he might head to the World Endurance Championship.
The French Driver Will Soon Reveal His 2025 Plans
Recently, in an interview, Esteban Ocon said that he would announce his plans for the next year very shortly. The Frenchman drove for four seasons with the Alpine team. He expressed his gratitude to the team. Moreover, Ocon won a race with Alpine along with three podium finishes. At present, he focuses on finishing the ongoing season on a positive note with the Alpine team.
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The Frenchman wants to deliver for the team on the track and have a successful remainder of the 2024 season. Right now, the Driver’s market sees stiff competition. Carlos Sainz Jr. is the most sought-after driver. Audi could have signed Ocon. But it seems they have already made a lucrative offer to the Spanish driver.
Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite F1 team.