David Coulthard tells Mercedes to sign ‘gladiatorial’ F1 driver to replace Lewis Hamilton

David Coulthard believes the Mercedes F1 team should do everything possible to sign Fernando Alonso as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.

Hamilton shocked the F1 world last week by announcing he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the year to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract.

The seven-time world champion’s bombshell decision leaves Mercedes needing to find a replacement to fill the gigantic void left by Hamilton.

Several replacements have already been suggested, including the likes of Ferrari incumbent Carlos Sainz, now a free agent, Williams’ Alex Albon and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

There has even been talk that Mercedes could try and tempt Sebastian Vettel out of retirement to drive for them in 2025.

But former Red Bull driver Coulthard is clear in who he thinks Mercedes should be targeting.

“If I was Mercedes, I would take Alonso over Vettel,” Coulthard told the Formula for Success podcast.

“He’s race fit, he understands the engine, the power unit, because of Aston Martin and he’s still gladiatorial and got the bit between his teeth.

“Yes, maybe Seb was just struggling a little bit with the development of the Aston when he was there. But he wasn’t, sort of, putting manners on Lance Stroll in the way that we have seen from Fernando Alonso. So, if I could get Fernando, I’d take him.”

However, Coulthard reckons four-time world champion Vettel would be a solid option if Mercedes cannot lure Alonso away from Aston Martin.

“Then, yes, I think Vettel could be a good, experienced option,” Coulthard continued.

“He’d certainly be a good marketing story, as well, providing he doesn’t get his doors blown off by George. I think George is fantastically fast. So, it wouldn’t be easy for Seb.”