Jenson Button, ex-F1 world champion and ex-teammate of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alsonso, has put forward his favorite as successor to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes on Sky Sports. According to him, Fernando Alonso would make a great duo with George Russell.
Mercedes must look for a replacement for Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. After all, the seven-time F1 world champion is moving to Ferrari.
Mercedes is looking for someone to take the seat next to British talent George Russel. Since many talented drivers already have a spot for 2025, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will have to be inventive. Does he go for a promising youngster like Alex Albon, does he choose someone with experience, like Fernando Alonso, or does he try to poach someone, like Lando Norris at McLaren.
Jenson Button already made a case for Alsonso at Mercedes in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I would like to see my ex-teammate Fernando Alonso at Mercedes. He is now 42, but the hunger is there. And if the hunger and fitness are still there and you still turn a wheel every day, then there is no problem. It would be a cool collaboration between George and Fernando. I think they would learn a lot from each other and they would work well together.”
“George definitely has to think about a new teammate. Will it be one of his car rivals, like Alex Albon, or will it be Fernando, who just won't go away. He's always fighting for the top positions in the top teams, so who knows?”
Excited about Hamilton's switch
Button understands Hamilton's surprising switch to Ferrari. “We all get to that point in our careers where you've done what you set out to achieve. Then you can retire or you can go for a change. Lewis responded to that feeling by saying: I am going to Ferrari. We were all kids and when you saw that red Ferrari you thought: I want to race for that team. I didn't get the chance to race for Ferrari, although it was very, very close, I almost had the contracts in hand. So I think this is special for Lewis. I can't wait to see him at work in the Ferrari. I'm excited about it and it's great for F1.”