Mercedes have reportedly not yet created a serious list of potential replacements for Lewis Hamilton should the seven-time world champion abruptly retire from Formula One. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is set to meet with new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Friday to discuss the events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Wolff is reportedly set to demand FIA race director Michael Masi is sacked as Hamilton is considering his future after Red Bull star Max Verstappen secured a maiden world title in controversial circumstances last month.
The Dutchman passed the seven-time world champion – who had dominated for much of the race – on the final lap of the season as a late Safety Car and tyre change swung momentum in his favour.
Mercedes’ fury was largely aimed at Masi after he decided against allowing cars to unlap themselves, as is tradition, only to change his mind to set up the final lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen.
Mercedes reportedly dropped their appeal against the results of the race after agreeing a deal with the FIA, which said both Masi and FIA head of single-seater technical matters Nikolas Tombazis would be removed from their posts ahead of the 2022 season.
JUST IN: FIA ‘torn on Michael Masi decision’ as Mercedes ‘push for axe’
The Silver Arrows have been linked with a move for AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly, although the Frenchman is believed to be an option in the future.
It would be almost impossible to drag Gasly away from his team this close to the start of the season, and so he is an unlikely option.
The far more likely prospect is Formula E champion Nyck de Vries, who is yet to be given a shot in F1.
The 26-year-old is currently both the test and reserve driver for Mercedes.
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