Formula 1: 5 possible replacements for Lewis Hamilton

Possible Lewis Hamilton replacements: No. 2 – Esteban Ocon

Not only was Esteban Ocon a part of the Mercedes Junior Team until joining Renault – now Alpine – in 2020, but he was one of just two drivers (Daniel Ricciardo was the other) to win a race this past season in something other than a Mercedes or a Red Bull.

He drove for Manor in his half-rookie season in 2016 before moving to Force India, where his stint was mostly memorable for on-track incidents with teammate Sergio Perez.

After serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2019, Ocon jumped to Renault and has impressed from the midfield over the last two seasons. He also brings a measure of familiarity with Mercedes personnel and equipment, although not as recent as that of Bottas.

Hiring Ocon would give us the spectacle of watching him battle his former teammate/nemesis Perez at the front of the field, or perhaps engage in a disastrous battle with his own teammate once again. Either way, it would make for a supremely entertaining season.

Ocon is under contract with Alpine until 2024, so they would likely exact a huge payment from Mercedes for this change. But drivers of Ocon’s caliber, youth, and experience – he’s just 25 but entering his sixth Formula 1 season – aren’t easy to come by at any price, and Mercedes have deep pockets.

He would also leave another vacant seat on the grid, one which would almost certainly be filled a driver who should also be on Mercedes’ short list.