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Mercedes hasn’t missed Hamilton in the car since his move to Ferrari

19:00, 31 Dec

byTim Kraaij

Mercedes has shown little sign of suffering following Lewis Hamilton’s departure in 2025. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin explained why the team believes Kimi Antonelli is a worthy successor to the seven-time world champion.

"The vast majority of it isn't the driver saying ‘I need this’ and us rushing off and trying to find it."

- Andrew Shovlin

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season was announced even before the 2024 Formula 1 campaign began, bringing an end to one of the most successful partnerships in the sport’s history. After years of dominance and six drivers' world titles with Mercedes, the Briton’s exit forced the team into a major decision about its future.

Mercedes briefly explored the possibility of signing Max Verstappen, but ultimately chose a different path. George Russell was promoted to team leader, while highly-rated youngster Kimi Antonelli was handed an early opportunity in Formula 1.

On paper, losing a driver of Hamilton’s stature - renowned for his vast experience and technical feedback - appeared to be a major setback. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has previously described Verstappen as the most important “sensor” in his car, highlighting the value of elite driver input.

Andrew Shovlin states that Mercedes does not rely entirely on driver feedback — Photo: RacePictures

Mercedes absorbed losing Hamilton

However, Shovlin explained that Mercedes’ development process is far less dependent on driver feedback than many might assume.

"I mean to be honest, with George, it’s fine," the Briton said in response to GPblog’s question. “The bigger point is we don't really develop a car predominantly on what the driver is telling us. Most of it will come from simulations, you're searching for downforce, you're searching for certain balance characteristics that you know will deliver lap time, you're trying to reduce drag.

"You're developing suspension characteristics that can put the car in a better aerodynamic window. So the vast majority of it isn't the driver saying ‘I need this’ and us rushing off and trying to find it.

"It's very, very helpful that you have the consistent element of George in the car. He's known these cars through this regulation set. So there was never really any worry of would we lose our way from a development point of view.

"And as I said, Kimi's great at telling you what the car's doing. So there's no bit there that needed work on. It was more that we had a phenomenal run with Lewis with an awful lot of success, he decided to try a new challenge at Ferrari, we were always looking to Kimi as the future, and there was inevitably going to be a learning year.

"We were fully committed to that, and on balance, I think it's gone well."

Mercedes is on the way up

That confidence appears to be paying off. With Russell and Antonelli, Mercedes achieved second place in the constructors’ championship in 2025 after finishing third the year before. McLaren, however, remained untouchable, securing the title with six races to spare despite using the same Mercedes power unit.

Looking ahead, Mercedes’ focus is firmly on 2026. With sweeping new regulations for cars, engines, and fuel, the team sees a major opportunity. Given how well previous regulation changes have suited Mercedes, many in the paddock already consider the German manufacturer a leading contender for the next era, despite losing a seven-time world champion.

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