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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated every candidate for a 2025 Formula 1 drive at the team “all have arguments” in their favour.

The Silver Arrows are searching for a new driver following Lewis Hamilton’s shock decision to leave the team.

Hamilton will bring his long-standing partnership with Mercedes to a close at the end of the current campaign and join rivals Ferrari.

Several drivers have been linked to the seven-time world champion’s drive, from F2 rookie Kimi Antonelli to F1 veteran Fernando Alonso.

Carlos Sainz, the driver Hamilton will replace at Ferrari, has also been mentioned as a contender.

With no shortage of options available for the team, Wolff asserted that all viable candidates have compelling cases.

“The ones that are available, or that could be interesting for us, they all have arguments in favour of them,” Wolff told media including RacingNews365.

“Be it the very young ones, be it the very mature ones in the best years. Or Carlos.”

Wolff not rushing decision

Despite Mercedes’ slump in performance since 2022, the second seat alongside George Russell is likely to be a highly sought-after drive.

Wolff asserted that he is not rushing to make a decision with several key drivers being out of contract at the end of the year.

“It’s a difficult choice because it’s not like there is a clear criteria for one and everything points to the other,” Wolff said.

“I just want to do a step back and just monitor the situation.

“Some of the guys mentioned may sign for other teams and so [I’m] just looking at it.”