Mercedes is entering a new chapter in its Formula 1 journey, marking the 2025 season as its first in 12 years without Lewis Hamilton as part of its driver line-up. The team has announced a strategic shift in its drivers, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli being promoted to race alongside George Russell. Despite the significant departure of Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari, the change within the team has not been as seismic as it might appear from the outside.
Last summer, Mercedes engaged in discussions with Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen, Max Verstappen's father and manager, respectively. This raised speculations about Max Verstappen potentially replacing Lewis Hamilton. However, Mercedes ultimately decided to call off its pursuit of Verstappen as a prospective driver. The team had been transparent about its interest in signing Verstappen but chose to focus on its current line-up instead.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal, expressed confidence in the new arrangements.
"I think the sport benefits from it, and from a personal level we wish him to be in a happy place. And at the same time it [our driver line-up] just fell into place. It seems so natural, it's what we've been thinking of for almost a year's time." – Toto Wolff
With George Russell's contract expiring at the end of this year, Mercedes is planning to enter negotiations over an extension before F1's summer break in August. The team's focus remains on retaining Russell and Antonelli moving into 2026, shifting away from external pursuits like that of Max Verstappen.
"I don't flirt outside if I'm in a good relationship, and that is true for this year, too. At the moment that [pursuing Verstappen] is not on any, let's say, radar. I don't like to shift my concentration away from these guys [Russell and Antonelli]." – Toto Wolff
George Russell has been a part of Mercedes' long-term strategy, and both parties are keen to continue their collaboration. Conversations regarding his contract renewal have already begun.
"We're going to find some time, I guess before the summer. I need to be careful what I say to you, because you will, every month probably, ask when have those discussions happened. But we will do that in a timely manner, without disrupting the season." – Toto Wolff
Russell himself echoed the sentiment of trust and continuity with Mercedes, emphasizing their shared history and mutual confidence in each other.
With Hamilton's departure to Ferrari, Mercedes is focused on maintaining its competitive edge and regaining its top position in Formula 1. The team remains committed to winning races and championships with its new driver line-up.
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