Sir Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes ahead of the next season. 2024 marks the end of the epic collaboration between the Silver Arrows and the seven-time champion. Next year, the Formula 1 fans will see the most successful team and most decorated racer team up. It is a highly anticipated team-up. Moreover, the great British driver said it was his childhood dream to race for Ferrari. And most importantly, he believes he has achieved everything he could as a driver of the German outfit. But Lewis Hamilton will turn 40 when he will start racing for the Prancing Horse.
Is that too old to begin a journey as a driver with a new team? Maybe not. Fernando Alonso joined Aston Martin well after he turned 40. But the question is, can Ferrari help Hamilton become a world champion again? Moreover, can the two parties end their title drought? Hence, everybody is looking forward to the team-up between Ferrari and the great Briton. However, the other question that might make F1 fans curious is about Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes.
Why Lewis Hamilton Prefer Andrea Kimi Antonelli As His Replacement?
Sir Lewis Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari. Hence, the Spaniard will be available in next year’s driver market. Moreover, Mercedes can try to sign Carlos. And why not? The Spaniard is the only non-Red Bull driver to have won multiple GPs since last year. Moreover, as per recent reports, Audi has made a lucrative offer to Carlos Sainz Jr. Nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton believes the young prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli is a better choice than the Spaniard to replace him at Mercedes. But why? Recently, GBNews.com reported that Lewis praised Carlos, saying, “He’s a great driver.” Moreover, the soon-to-be 40-year-old driver said that wherever Sainz joins, it will be a huge positive for that team. But Hamilton said that he does not really know what Toto Wolff is planning about his replacement.
Nevertheless, if it was up to him, the seven-time champion mentioned that he would always sign a youngster. Moreover, since it is his role, Lewis Hamilton would bet on the young Mercedes prodigy. Andrea Kimi Antonelli is just 17 years old. Mercedes has rated him very highly. Kimi has been part of the junior team of the Silver Arrows since 2019. This year, in April, Kimi had his first test with Mercedes. However, he has not yet made his debut in Formula 1. Nevertheless, it seems like Hamilton is not the only one in the German outfit who prefers Kimi replace him. The Mercedes boss might be in sync with that idea as well.
What Does The Mercedes Boss Think About The Young Prodigy?
After the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this year, Toto Wolff told the press that Kimi might be the “Chosen one.” Moreover, the Mercedes boss mentioned that Italians must love the fact that Lewis Hamilton is joining Ferrari next year. Adding to that, Wolff said they will have to get used to the outfit.
But it is high time that they look at themselves. Perhaps there is an option available for the German outfit to put an Italian in their car. Maybe they will shine even more with the Italian prodigy, feels Wolff. On top of that, the Mercedes boss said that considering all the factors, they are pushing back really hard.
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