The president of the Mercedes team, Toto Wolff, has stated that one of the possible replacements for Lewis Hamilton was ‘not interested’ in joining Mercedes.
Hamilton signed a contract with Ferrari for 2025 and beyond, and it was revealed earlier this year that he would be leaving the Brackley-based team at the conclusion of 2024.
After receiving that shocking news, Wolff began looking for a new driver for the upcoming season. Although it was announced months ago, Mercedes has not yet revealed who will drive beside George Russell in 2025.
Max Verstappen of Red Bull is one name that has been mentioned in connection with the likes of Mercedes junior star Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari.However, it has recently come to light that another name was also taken into consideration.
Fernando Alonso ‘not interested’ in replacing Lewis Hamilton
Toto Wolff has admitted that two-time champion Fernando Alonso was also a possibility to replace Hamilton, but the Mercedes CEO has stated that the Spaniard had no interest in doing so.
In a recent interview with the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Wolff addressed all things Formula One. The Mercedes CEO was questioned about whether or not Alonso had been given a chance to play for Silver Arrows.
“We did take Fernando into consideration,” Wolff said in response to the Spanish media.However, Fernando had no interest in driving for Mercedes at the time.
“Aston Martin also extended an offer to him for a long-term contract. That’s how we initially understood it.Alonso signed the long-term deal Wolff is referring to, and the team confirmed earlier this season that they had committed to him through 2025 and beyond.Unfortunately for Alonso, rival teams have overtaken Aston Martin in 2024, despite the team placing on several podiums in 2023.
As of right now, the Silverstone-based team is ranked sixth in Formula One by the constructors’ rankings.
Alonso’s best finish of the season, a P5, came at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix back in March. He has even finished outside of the points at four of the last six grand prix.
