Mercedes Reserve Driver & Potential Lewis Hamilton F1 Replacement Comes Clean Amidst Speculation

The Formula One community is still unsure whether or not Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton will return to the grid in 2022. After suffering a heartbreaking loss at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Knight lost out on a potential eighth world title. And it is not a surprise to see him contemplate his future in the sport.

Many people have a question: if Hamilton leaves F1, who will replace the 7-time world champion at the Brackley-based outfit? Some F1 fans think it might be Nyck de Vries, who is part of the Mercedes junior driver program.

Mercedes junior driver doesn’t care about Lewis Hamilton’s future in F1

The Dutch pilot recently won the Formula E championship. Seeing that an opportunity can present itself with the Silver Arrows as there is uncertainty looming over Hamilton’s future, many would assume that de Vries would be excited. However, that is not the case, as he doesn’t seem to be concerned about the British driver’s future.

As quoted by Grandpx.news, the Dutch driver said, “I don’t care about that. We’re working on (the Formula E season opener) Saudi Arabia so I don’t think there’s room for me to think about those sorts of scenarios.”

Additionally, he feels his countryman, Max Verstappen, deserved to win the world championship, despite Hamilton doing his best. He said, “Max is a fantastic driver who earned that championship 100 percent. He really is a worthy world champion.

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“I think everyone agrees with that. On that Sunday in Abu Dhabi, Lewis did everything he could to win it, and decisions were made that have never been applied in that way. But that does not alter the fact that Max deserves it and is a great champion.

“I can also understand that Lewis is very disappointed about that and feels that they have stolen it from him,” he concluded.

Who will pilot the Mercedes car for the 2022 season?

The Brackley-based squad signed George Russell after letting go of Valtteri Bottas. The former Williams driver could drive alongside Hamilton, whose future in F1 is still unknown.

The Toto Wolff-led team will have a talented British driver line up for the forthcoming season. What are your expectations from Hamilton and Russell as they enter into a new era of racing in 2022? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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