The impeccable duo of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton might be coming to an end. With a contract extension hanging between the two, things can take an unprecedented turn if Lewis doesn’t sign, leaving behind a massive legacy and pressure for his replacement to deal with. Now, in the mix, after Charles Leclerc and Toto Wolff both dismissed the rumors of any talks between the two parties, a new name has emerged.

The new name isn’t one with much experience. Instead, it’s one of the freshest ones and is none other than the former Haas driver, Mick Schumacher, who is currently also working as the reserve driver behind Russell and Hamilton. The name rather comes as a surprise, but it falls in line with the recent backing of the German driver by the Mercedes boss.

While talking about the potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, and Mick’s uncle, suggested Toto consider the reserve driver in case of any movement in the paddock. He, as quoted by Motorsport Total, said, “Every team boss will always keep an eye on the top drivers if he fails anything. You have a third test driver, you don’t need one at all.”

To this, putting in his confirmation and adding a new name on the table, Toto Wolff said, “Exactly, a German! It’s not bad at all. The point is, we’ve just been traveling with Lewis for ten years – and nothing will change about that. At some point, in a few years, we’ll look at it.”

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Mick has been placed next in order in case of either Russell’s or Hamilton’s absence over the weekend. However, that remains unlikely to happen, leaving the German with only the simulator and the older cars.

Lewis Hamilton contract update

Lewis Hamilton’s contract is set to come to an end at the end of this season. While the Briton has been confident about the extension, no confirmation from his end is putting Mercedes in a nervous position. As the talks with Charles Leclerc reportedly never took place, the eyes go back to the seven-time champion.

For Lewis, it is rumored that he wants a car and trust from the team that can guarantee him a record eighth championship. Many speculated that, in a bid to improve those chances, the team brought James Allison back into his role as the technical director.

However, as per Lewis quoted by Planet F1, “It doesn’t change it. I mean James was already there, he was in our team already. I’m grateful to know, it gives me confidence we’ve got Mike and James together, but we already had them in the team.”

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With no more positive signs coming in, Lewis is still under no pressure from Mercedes. The team holds a strong belief in the driver and their relationship and trusts Lewis enough to put his signature on the paper soon.