F1 pundit deems Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon as potential 1-year target for Mercedes amidst Kimi Antonelli option

Ferret believes that Toto Wolff can hire Ocon or Alonso on a one-year contract for next year and then see, how things turn out. Antonelli is only 17 years old and is currently in F2.

Ocon or Alonso! Because [Ocon] is part of Mercedes’ management so he can accept signing for just one year. Then, in ’26, you can put Antonelli in after he has learned at Williams, or wherever.

Fred Ferret said on the F1Nation podcast

Esteban Ocon being a former junior Mercedes driver, has strong links with the German team. Moreover, Wolff on multiple occasions, has made it known that Alonso could be an exciting option for the 2025 season.

Toto Wolff deems replacing Lewis Hamilton a ‘difficult choice’

While a renowned F1 pundit has urged the Mercedes boss to sign Ocon or Alonso as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for 2025, Wolff recently deemed the next year decision as a difficult choice. He has quite a few good options for next year.

Carlos Sainz is also a name that is being thrown into the hat!

It’s a difficult choice because its not like there are KO criteria for one and everything points to the other. So I just want to do a step back and monitor the situation.

Toto Wolff said in an inerview with Motorsport

The 2024 F1 season has still got 21 races remaining the calendar and considering this, the situation regarding the Mercedes seat is going to further develop. George Russell has previously made it known that he will welcome whoever Mercedes decides to bring in as his teammate for next year.