Mercedes plans to replace Hamilton F1 amid ‘insurance policy’ suspicions.

Mercedes’ “insurance” plans should Lewis Hamilton decide to retire appear to have been hampered by Nick de Vries’ departure from Formula 1.

Hamilton recently signed a new contract that will keep him with the Mercedes team until at least the end of 2025. But a seven-time world champion, Hamilton is now 39 and his long-term future in the sport may be uncertain. De Vries competed in his debut season in the sport in 2023, but was forced to leave AlfaTauri after 10 races due to poor performances.

Since then, the Dutchman has raced for the Toyota Gazoo Racing team in the 2024 World Endurance Championship and has also competed in Formula E. Toto Wolff has always been a big fan of De Vries and has often seen the 28-year-old on the pit wall next to Mercedes team boss, a role currently held by Mick Schumacher.

Dutch compatriot Tom Coronel said his compatriot would be a candidate to replace Hamilton in the 2022 season if the Englishman decides to retire rather than sign a new contract. “If Lewis Hamilton stops, Nick de Vries will take his place,” he told RacingNews365.

“You know why? As I’ve been saying for a year, Nick is Toto Wolff’s insurance.

“Obviously he went through it with Rosberg. I don’t want to say that she’s “using” Nick, but that’s exactly why she keeps him around. This person does everything he has to do. He won every championship he needed to win.”

However, De Vries’ suspension may force the Brackley side to look elsewhere for Hamilton’s replacement.

Coronel later added: “If you look at his performance and what he’s doing today, Nick hasn’t missed a beat compared to other drivers. That’s what you get.”