George Russell’s role as the lead driver for Mercedes is confirmed, yet the choice of his future teammate could pose a challenging dilemma.
Mercedes is allegedly engaging in discussions with Fernando Alonso, as Toto Wolff considers appointing the two-time world champion to fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari.
However, George Russell, who has experienced what he deemed ‘potentially dangerous’ maneuvers from the Spaniard on the track in Australia, might not welcome this development warmly.
With Hamilton’s departure from Silver Arrows approaching, Wolff has been on the lookout for a successor.
While Esteban Ocon is already a part of the Mercedes framework and Carlos Sainz, victor of the Australian Grand Prix, remains uncommitted, Wolff’s interest seems to be veering towards Alonso as the prime candidate.
Reports from the German newspaper Bild indicate that Mercedes has initiated discussions with Alonso’s team, and the 42-year-old is considered to have a ‘good chance’ of securing a seat with Silver Arrows for the 2025 season.
If Alonso were to team up with Russell next year, Mercedes would boast an exceptionally skilled pair of drivers. Nevertheless, it might be necessary to smooth over the relationship between them due to a contentious incident at the Australian GP.
During their fight for sixth place, Alonso unexpectedly braked early before turn six on the final lap, surprising Russell and causing the Mercedes car to veer off into the gravel, effectively ending his race.
Russell’s car bounced off the wall outside turn seven and halted on the track, where he urgently called for a red flag over the team radio.
Fortunately, no cars were near that portion of the track right after the crash, averting a possible secondary collision.
