What Does Mercedes Do if Hamilton Leaves?

**Nitrodaze** · 15th April 2023, 12:06

Originally Posted by ouvreur

Promote Russell to Number 1.

Promote Schumacher to Number 2.

Promote Vesti to Test Driver.

Otherwise, what's the point of a young driver programme, if you look elsewhere when you need to fill a seat?

Schumacher has some very tough competition for that seat. He would not stand a chance if Leclercc is interested in that seat. He would only have half a chance with Norris and De Vries, with De Vries more likely to land the position in this scenario. DeVries would give Russell a lot of headaches. I think he is faster and tougher than Russell. He is the sort of driver that can take the fight to Verstappen and Leclerc robustly.

**Nitrodaze** · 15th April 2023, 12:07

Originally Posted by Zico

Agreed, do you think he would take the required wage cut to drive for them?
Who do you think he would replace and would it work well for the team?

I think Charles would have to have left for there to be any chance of it happening.. and just a panic stop gap signing.

Of course you would.

**Zico** · 15th April 2023, 16:15

Originally Posted by Nitrodaze

Of course you would.

I doubt I would If I wanted to win that 8th WDC... unless of course, if they miraculously got their act together.

**Zico** · 15th April 2023, 16:26

Originally Posted by Nitrodaze

Schumacher has some very tough competition for that seat. He would not stand a chance if Leclercc is interested in that seat. He would only have half a chance with Norris and De Vries, with De Vries more likely to land the position in this scenario. DeVries would give Russell a lot of headaches. I think he is faster and tougher than Russell. He is the sort of driver that can take the fight to Verstappen and Leclerc robustly.

He comes across really well in interviews and seems an intelligent young man did well on his debut with Williams... but it's a tad early to be saying DeVries could take the fight to Max and Charles, don't you think?

**Nitrodaze** · 17th April 2023, 02:22

Originally Posted by Zico

He comes across really well in interviews and seems an intelligent young man did well on his debut with Williams... but it's a tad early to be saying DeVries could take the fight to Max and Charles, don't you think?

You say that because you have not seen this guy race. He is phenomenal.

**Zico** · 17th April 2023, 13:32

Originally Posted by Nitrodaze

You say that because you have not seen this guy race. He is phenomenal.

Yep, you are not wrong.. but its still a big statement to make. I'll look out a few of his drives. The AT looks a bit of a dog at the moment so I'm not expecting much from him this year.

The last time I tipped a driver for great things... a future world champion after watching his pre F1 performances, was Lewis after we heard he had signed for McLaren, I got a fair bit of flack for it on here.