Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team has made a series of bold decisions that could significantly impact Lewis Hamilton’s future and the team’s direction in 2025.

As Mercedes faces mounting challenges in the current season, new strategies are emerging, sparking concerns about Hamilton’s ability to secure an eighth world championship.

One of the more critical moments occurred at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, where Mercedes openly admitted to a costly race strategy error. Hamilton, who started in third after an impressive qualifying performance, finished in sixth place.

The seven-time world champion expressed frustration as the team placed him on soft tires, forcing him to make an early pit stop on lap 17. This decision backfired, leaving Hamilton with older, harder tires, which ultimately allowed rivals like Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to overtake him.

Team Principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the mistake, stating that their strategy put Hamilton at a disadvantage. “It was a painful evening for us,” Wolff said after the race. “We had hoped for a better result starting from third and fourth, but our plan didn’t work.” Wolff admitted that Mercedes should have started Hamilton on medium tires to handle the high temperatures and tire wear more effectively on tracks like Singapore and Baku. Despite these setbacks, the team is focused on making improvements ahead of the next race in Austin, Texas.

Hamilton remained positive after the race, stating, “It’s hard to put into words the emotions during a race like that. We didn’t get everything right, but we’re working as hard as we can.” He expressed optimism about the upcoming races, adding, “We will go to Austin with energy, drive, and determination to improve.”

Mercedes Eyeing Max Verstappen for 2026

In a surprising twist, Mercedes has reportedly set their sights on signing reigning world champion Max Verstappen for the 2026 season. Despite Verstappen’s current contract with Red Bull lasting until 2028, Mercedes believes that the new regulations coming in 2026 could make them an appealing option for Verstappen, especially if Red Bull encounters more difficulties.

Toto Wolff confirmed the team’s interest in Verstappen, despite earlier failed attempts to lure him away from Red Bull. “We’re still keeping an eye on Verstappen for 2026,” said Bradley Lord, Mercedes’ Head of Communications. “We think we can offer something exciting under the new rules.” However, Verstappen has previously stated that he wouldn’t leave Red Bull for any amount of money. It remains to be seen whether Mercedes can change his mind by 2026.

New Driver Lineup for 2025

While Verstappen may be on the radar for the future, Mercedes has already solidified part of its 2025 lineup by promoting young talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. After months of speculation, Wolff confirmed Antonelli’s place on the team, which raises questions about George Russell’s long-term future with the Silver Arrows. Russell, who has had a mixed season, will remain with the team through 2025, but the potential addition of Verstappen in 2026 could lead to further changes.

Technical Upgrades and Strategic Shifts

Beyond driver changes, Mercedes has also been hard at work on their car, with a major floor upgrade that debuted at the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this year. The upgrade initially caused confusion and issues with car balance, leading the team to revert to the old floor in Baku and Singapore. However, Mercedes is planning to introduce a new version of the car at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, with hopes that this will mark a significant step forward.

Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, commented on the planned improvements: “The next upgrades should be a significant step forward. We’re confident that we’ll see the benefits starting in Austin.”

As the 2024 season winds down, all eyes are on how these moves will shape the future of the Mercedes team and whether Hamilton can secure another title before the new regulations take hold. With a potentially game-changing 2025 lineup and upgrades in the works, Mercedes is setting the stage for an exciting future, both on and off the track.

Hamilton, ever the competitor, remains focused on the task ahead, with his sights set firmly on the races to come. How these developments play out in the coming months could have far-reaching implications for the legendary driver’s career and Mercedes’ path forward.