Lewis Hamilton‘s future in formula 1 remains a draw after the dramatic event in Abu Dhabi last year.
The drivers’ title was all but locked in place, a late accident involving Nicholas Latifi sparked a series of events that will shape the history of the sport for many years to come.
Hamilton was simply on the cruise at this point, having driven the perfect race before Michael Masi and his safety car gimmicks intervened.
Finally, after a comedy of controversial choices, Max Verstappen roared past Hamilton on the final lap to snatch the glory on the final lap.
Hamilton was incredibly troubled by what happened and has yet to decide whether or not to continue in the sport he gave so much to.
It would leave a gaping hole in the middle of Formula 1 if the time came, but for Mercedes it would be disastrous.
Enter a competition
Toto Wolff and his team would be without their number one and would have to look for his place before the start of the season.
So who could they bring with them should Hamilton decide to leave? Here are five possible options.
Lando Norris
This would be the dream move, but perhaps the most unlikely.
Lando has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of seasons and looks to be stealing a march in the titles soon.
However, it is firmly rooted in the McLaren Camp as they continue their fantastic rebuilding and it would take a pretty strong crowbar to tear him off the team he is seemingly so happy with.
Esteban Ocon
Ocon seems like a far more viable option than Norris, as he has a history with Mercedes and Wolff.
The French star is a former up-and-coming Mercedes driver and has the desire to return to the Silver Arrows at some point in one of the Formula 1 seats.
Nico Hulkenberg
Hulkenberg may be a game of chance, but it has proven itself to be the ultimate super-submarine in the past.
He has replaced Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll and, unlike the two drivers mentioned above, is a free agent.
Nyck De Vries
The Mercedes Formula E champion would be a smart business move, as technically the Dutchman is already one of their employees.
De Vries was amazing in FE, but his heart really is in an F1 car.
However, after winning Formula 2 in 2019, he couldn’t find a place in the first championship, which could be cause for concern.
Oscar Piastri
If we thought Hulkenberg was a gamble, Piastri would mean going all-in with a pair of twos.
The 2021 F2 champion is without a team and no car in 2022 and would be an easy deal if offered a role.
But whether he is ready for the rigors of driving the most successful car in the history of sport is an entirely different question.
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