F1 pundit tips surprise driver to replace Hamilton

F1 journalist and former team manager Peter Windsor has made a surprising suggestion that Charles Leclerc could replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes if he decides to retire from F1.

It has been a dismal time for the silver arrows since Hamilton missed out on his record eighth title to Max Verstappen in 2021, with the team winning only one race since the start of 2022.

That win came that year at the Brazilian Grand Prix where George Russell claimed his maiden win in F1, with his team-mate not winning a race since Jeddah in 2021 – his longest streak without victory in his career.

READ MORE: Steiner takes aim at F1 team boss in UNUSUAL football comparison

Windsor: Leclerc could go to Mercedes

The pressure will be on Toto Wolff and Mercedes to deliver a competitive car for its drivers in 2024, but if cannot keep up with Red Bull and even fall behind Ferrari and McLaren, it could see the seven-time world champion hanging up his gloves.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Windsor made the suggestion that Leclerc could leave Ferrari and take his place.

“I don’t think Lewis [Hamilton] will race too much longer if the Mercedes isn’t a great car this year,” he said.

“So, then you might see [Charles] Leclerc going to Mercedes and if Lewis announces his retirement early enough if he does, I’m not saying he does, but if the car’s not very good, Leclerc might go there.”

The Monegasque driver is out of contract with Ferrari at the end of the season and it has been widely reported that he is set to sign a long-term deal with the Italian team.

Furthermore, Hamilton has a deal with Mercedes until 2025, so it would seem likely that the Brit will see out that deal before retiring.

READ MORE: Schumacher in damning assessment of Ferrari F1 stars

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 News Today: Ferrari poach Mercedes star, Toto Wolff admits 'sometimes we get it wrong'

• 2 hours ago

Max Verstappen signs for Mercedes as F1 insider predicts every move in wild silly season

• Yesterday 20:54

McLaren F1 champion urges team to not 'rock the boat' with Max Verstappen signing

• Today 13:57

Max Verstappen admits his priorities have changed as F1 star makes heartbreaking admission

• Today 10:55

Lewis Hamilton strikes it rich with genius deal as $10bn valuation looms

• Today 08:12

Martin Brundle claims this F1 moment blew title race wide open

• Yesterday 22:27