Fernando Alonso is reportedly 'on the list' to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes despite his controversial past with the Silver Arrows team.
Mercedes were rocked by the news a few weeks ago that Hamilton had agreed a deal to sign with Ferrari from next season.
The move changes the whole dynamics of the F1 grid with more moves now set to follow.
Only a handful of drivers are contracted through to the 2025 season with negotiations set to take place throughout the year.
Fernando Alonso could replace Lewis Hamilton
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While Hamilton's surprise announcement of his impending move to Ferrari caught Mercedes off guard, it does give them plenty of time to look for his replacement.
Carlos Sainz is now available as a possible option while Mick Schumacher and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have also been touted as candidates.
However, F1 reporter Andrew Benson has claimed he knows for a "fact" that Alonso is on the list to replace Hamilton.
“I know that Alonso’s on the list. I do, I know that for a fact," he said on the F1 Chequered Flag podcast.
“It’s unbelievable considering what happened between Mercedes and Alonso in 2007 during the Spygate era and there was always this suggestion from Mercedes that 'we would never touch him with a barge pole'.
“But, there’s a new CEO at Mercedes now and they’re a bit in the doo-doo now that Hamilton’s left, so why wouldn’t Alonso be attractive if they need to fill a gap?”
Alonso is now 42 years of age, but he's recently hinted that he could drive in F1 until he's 50.
The Spaniard insists that his ideal scenario would be continuing with Aston Martin after an impressive debut season last year.
But he's prepared to look at other alternatives if it becomes clear that Aston Martin are looking elsewhere.
Fernando Alonso wants to drive for more years in F1
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“If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin," he said.
"I trust this project and that will be my first priority.
“But if we cannot reach an agreement I know that I am attractive to other teams. I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun.
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Fernando Alonso is out of contract at the end of the year
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"I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let’s see what the options are.
“I am aware of my situation which is very unique..
“There are only three world champions on the grid and I am the only one available for 2025, so I am in a good position.
"On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.”
