Possible Hamilton successor already found?

The dramatic showdown a few weeks ago apparently left its mark on the Brit. After Hamilton had to admit defeat to his opponent Max Verstappen in the very last round of the World Cup fight, he withdrew from the public. Since then, there has been much discussion about the seven-time champion's retirement. His long-time companion Bernie Ecclestone believes he knows that Hamilton will probably no longer be seen on the track .

So for Mercedes the matter is clear. If the figurehead of the German racing team really ends his career, a big gap will have to be filled. George Russell is a promising talent joining the ranks of the Silver Arrows, but Hamilton's footsteps could still be too big. Now an F1 driver who has already resigned is said to be part of Mercedes' simulation games: Nico Hülkenberg. Will there really be a return? The German, who has narrowly missed a podium several times in his career so far, only ended his career in the premier class of motorsport in 2021, but the last word does not seem to have been spoken yet.

Hülkenberg was most recently a substitute driver for Aston Martin in 2020, but was unable to secure a cockpit for the following season. It is doubtful whether Mercedes will actually choose him in the end. With Esteban Ocon there is a hot candidate for the Hamilton legacy who is already deeply networked with Mercedes. The Frenchman has been promoted by the Silver Arrows for several years and has been linked several times with a possible replacement for Valtteri Bottas as number 2 behind the Briton. In Hungary, Esteban Ocon celebrated his first victory with Alpine. © APA/afp / FLORION GOGA

But of course the final decision depends on the whereabouts of Lewis Hamilton. Even if the new season doesn't start until March 2022, the Brit's decision shouldn't be long in coming. After all, the test phase will prove to be particularly important for the new season due to the revised rules. There is therefore no time to lose. It still remains to be seen whether another candidate will come into the spotlight alongside Nico Hülkenberg and Esteban Ocon.

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Possible Hamilton successor already found?

The mystery surrounding Lewis Hamilton's possible retirement continues to preoccupy the world of motorsport. Since the final in Abu Dhabi, things have been quiet for the seven-time world champion. Now there is even talk of a spectacular return of an F1 driver who has already retired.

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