Xinhua

Ex-F1 driver urges Mercedes to ‘look at’ Carlos Sainz and young starlet Oliver Bearman for 2025 seat

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Manmayee Joshi | Last updated 4/9/24

Johnny Herbert , the ex-F1 driver, believes that Mercedes should keep a watch on Carlos Sainz and Ferrari’s youngest talent, Oliver Bearman. With Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari next season, it opens up a seat on the Brackley-based team. Mercedes will have to be careful while choosing who will be George Russell‘s teammate from next season.

Herbert believes the Spaniard will be the perfect fit for Mercedes, as he has proved his potential multiple times. Carlos Sainz still remains the only non-Red Bull driver to claim a victory after his last year’s Singapore GP’s exploits. He also scored a race win during the ongoing campaign at the Australian GP.

On the other hand, there is the option of Oliver Bearman who managed to score points on his debut with a brilliant performance at the Saudi Arabian GP.

While talking to the media, Herbert had the following to say.

Carlos Sainz would be one of the replacements Mercedes should look at. He is a solid, very reliable, intelligent driver who could fit in very well. But would they try to take on Ollie Bearman for example and throw him into a high-pressure situation like that? I would say yes. Jonhnny Herbert via: Inclave casino

Carlos Sainz is currently the most sought-after driver in the drivers market. His podium finish in Suzuka is only adding up to his immense potential. Bearman, who is currently driving for PREMA in F2, has also proved his potential during the Saudi Arabian GP. Now, what choice Mercedes makes would be interesting to see.

F1 commentator believes Sebastian Vettel is a perfect fit for Mercedes

In recent times, rumors have been making the rounds of Sebastian Vettel‘s return to F1 with Mercedes. Vettel has acknowledged speaking with Toto Wolff, if not directly for the seat but rather for general understanding.

Lewis Hamilton has also expressed his desire to see Vettel drive a Mercedes. Craig Slater believes the four-time world champion would be a good option for Mercedes before they bring in their young talent, Andrea Kimi Antonelli into the seat.

He’s got the profile, he’s got the expertise. Audi want to launch with fanfare. He’d be a figurehead for them. If there is a ‘stopgap’ idea in Toto Wolff’s head before Kimi Antonelli comes along, what better stopgap to have? Craig Slater via: Crash.net

Kimi Antonelli is currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, and his name has been a part of speculations for being a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton. However, he is still very young, and Mercedes would want to wait, before they bring him into F1, in such a case an experienced driver like Sebastian Vettel could be a perfect fit.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: