Formula 1: 5 possible replacements for Lewis Hamilton

Possible Lewis Hamilton replacements: No. 1 – Valtteri Bottas

Mercedes showed throughout the 2021 season, and particularly in the title-deciding race, their tendency to lean heavily towards the safe and by-the-book choice. The smoothest transition would come by bringing back Valtteri Bottas.

He spent the last five seasons as Lewis Hamilton’s sidekick but is set to move to Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season after being supplanted by George Russell. He would bring the obvious: experience and familiarity with team and machine, plus the earned respect of the Mercedes organization.

Every driver at that level must have the confidence to believe they can be champion, and should Bottas get a reprieve and be put back in a contending car for next season, it should certainly energize and motivate him to challenge for a world championship.

But while Bottas seemed like a willing, although not always enthusiastic, clear number two to Hamilton, he may not be so eager to serve in that same role opposite the 23-year-old Russell.

Mercedes would have to work something out with Alfa Romeo, but given how closely the two worked together to get Bottas to his new team, this seems like a nonexistent concern.

Alfa Romeo would then have a seat to fill and could bring Antonio Giovanazzi back from Formula E, or possibly even elevate Mick Schumacher from his currently hopeless situation at Haas.

Bottas doesn’t seem like a man of needless pride, but he could decide to remain with Alfa Romeo and scorn the team that took him out of a championship-caliber car and sent him down to pit lane’s barrio. In that case, they could turn to another driver already on the grid.