An era of Formula 1 is slowly starting to come to an end. With the departure of Sebastian Vettel, the warning bells for the last generation’s heroes rung. As things stand, a new hero has emerged in the shape and form of 2x champion, Max Verstappen. What’s more? The seasoned veteran, and the undisputed king of the past, Lewis Hamilton also seems to have been approaching the twilight of his career.

But with the risk of losing some really strongly associated names of our sport, is there anyone waiting in the wings to take over? There must be. F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and has always produced and showcased the best racing talent available across the globe. Naturally, with the current F1 grid comprised of many young, up-and-coming drivers, there are a few that can pick up the baton when the time comes.

Two drivers tipped to replace Lewis Hamilton in battle with Max Verstappen

The recent history of F1 has been littered with battles between both Hamilton and Verstappen. But what is to come when Hamilton leaves? Well, according to ex- British F1 driver, Johnny Herbert, the future is safe.

While chatting with the Evening Standard, he opined, “George Russell was able to challenge Lewis and put him under a lot of pressure. George will push Max Verstappen hard when he has a good car, and so will Lando Norris!” [translated via Google Translate]

Read More: “Lewis Hamilton Will Still Be Called…”: Felipe Massa Advised to Drop the Idea of a Lawsuit as Nothing Tipped to Change Even if He Wins It

Hamilton won’t stick around forever. But will his departure be hastened by the young pretender?

Mercedes won’t miss Hamilton

If a driver like Lewis Hamilton decides to leave, arguably it’ll be the biggest blow a team could ever face. However, given what Russell has been able to accomplish in equal machinery as compared to the Brit, it appears as though Hamilton won’t be remembered for too long by the Silver Arrows.

Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle was quoted by Motorsport.com as saying, “There’s very little difference between Lewis and George, and that’s a big compliment for George, we know how smart, motivated Lewis is. This shows for Mercedes that if, say, Lewis retires or decides to leave the team at any point, George is really up for the job.”

Watch this later: Helmut Marko blasts Lewis Hamilton for a role in Michael Masi’s sacking

Can both Russell and Norris be able to fill in Hamilton’s big shoes?