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The possibility of Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes in 2025 has created a wave of speculation about who will fill his monumental shoes. Mercedes, one of the most successful teams in Formula 1, now faces the challenge of replacing one of the sport’s most iconic drivers. While Hamilton’s future is still uncertain, several names are emerging as potential candidates to partner George Russell, Mercedes’ current standout driver.
One of the leading contenders is **Mick Schumacher**, a former Mercedes reserve driver and the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher. Schumacher’s experience with the team, along with his rising star in the racing world, makes him an attractive option. His familiarity with Mercedes and their engineering ethos could make for a seamless transition [oai_citation:1,Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes F1 in 2025? Potential driver candidates | Sporting News](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/formula-1/news/who-replacing-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-f1-2025/08f5e9aadb1c6a389dede28b).
Another notable figure is **Esteban Ocon**, currently racing for Alpine but with a past connection to Mercedes. Ocon has demonstrated consistent performances and could be a valuable asset to Mercedes in the post-Hamilton era. His rapport with the team, especially in testing and developmental roles, is a key strength [oai_citation:2,Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes F1 in 2025? Potential driver candidates | Sporting News](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/formula-1/news/who-replacing-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-f1-2025/08f5e9aadb1c6a389dede28b) [oai_citation:3,Russell details Antonelli responsibility to fill Hamilton’s shoes | RacingNews365](https://racingnews365.com/russell-details-antonelli-responsibility-to-fill-hamiltons-shoes).
There is also **Lando Norris**, the young star from McLaren, whose potential has been recognized across the paddock. Norris has shown immense talent and could be a game-changer for Mercedes if they decide to pursue a more youthful direction. His performances with McLaren, especially in close battles with top teams, make him a promising option [oai_citation:4,Russell details Antonelli responsibility to fill Hamilton’s shoes | RacingNews365](https://racingnews365.com/russell-details-antonelli-responsibility-to-fill-hamiltons-shoes).
In addition to these names, **Kimi Antonelli**, a rising star from Mercedes’ junior program, has garnered attention. His impressive performances in various junior racing series make him a dark horse, though many see him as a long-term project [oai_citation:5,Russell details Antonelli responsibility to fill Hamilton’s shoes | RacingNews365](https://racingnews365.com/russell-details-antonelli-responsibility-to-fill-hamiltons-shoes).
In summary, Mercedes has a number of exciting options to replace Hamilton, each bringing their own unique strengths to the team. Whether they go for experience, youth, or a blend of both, the decision will be one of the most pivotal in the team’s future.