[ad_1]
Mercedes will have to choose a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who is now isolated after having tested positive for Covid 19. The list of possible candidates remains short, but surprises should not be ruled out.
Mercedes reserve drivers are Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutiérrez. Under normal conditions, Vandoorne would be the chosen one, but the Belgian is currently preparing the season with the Formula E team and will not abruptly abandon this crucial stage to join Mercedes who have all the guaranteed titles. Nyck de Vries could also be a hypothesis, but he is Vandoorne’s colleague at Mercedes and has no F1 experience, so the Dutchman’s chances are slim. Esteban Gutiérrez could be the option and the Mexican has been working on the team’s simulator, so he knows the processes. But the Mexican has not competed since 2016 and does not have enough points for the superlicense.
George Russell is linked to Mercedes, driver of the Silver Arrow youth program and could be an interesting option. But Williams will have little desire to let go of his best driver while still chasing the first points of the year, while Mercedes races only to stick to the schedule. If this option progressed, Jack Aitken would be called up by Williams, but that seems unlikely.
Nico Hulkenberg could be an interesting option. The German has already replaced Sérgio Pérez and Lance Stroll this year and the positive relationship between Mercedes and Racing Point could facilitate the German’s entry into Mercedes, provided that none of the Racing Point drivers should be left out. Hulkenberg has already shown his quality this year and may have the opportunity here to drive the best car on the grid.
The logical choice would be Vandoorne, but Mercedes’ serious commitment to Formula E and the crucial preparation phase the team is in could prevent “Stoff” from returning to F1. Testing in Valencia continues until today and Vandoorne is guaranteed to be behind the wheel of the 100% electric car. We will have to wait and see if there is a possibility that the Belgian reaches Bahrain in time for the team to prepare everything. If Vandoorne is unable to join his team, Hulkenberg’s option begins to gain traction.
[ad_2]
