F1 driver sends everyone into meltdown with post near Mercedes HQ amid Lewis Hamilton replacement rumours

A Formula 1 driver has sent fans into meltdown after posting near the Mercedes headquarters amid Lewis Hamilton replacement rumours.

Back in August 2023, it was announced that Hamilton had committed his future with Mercedes after signing a multi-year deal.

Many felt that the seven-time world champion would end his illustrious F1 career with the Brackley-based team.

However, Hamilton’s future was thrown into chaos on Thursday morning after reports circulated that a move to Ferrari could happen in 2025.

By Thursday evening, it was confirmed that Hamilton will indeed leave Mercedes after the 2024 campaign.

Now, all the talk will be about who Mercedes could bring in to replace Hamilton ahead of the 2025 campaign.

So far, the likes of Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri have all been linked with a move to the Silver Arrows.

However, one driver has sent fans into meltdown by posting on social media.

Former Mercedes and current Stake F1 team driver Valtteri Bottas posted a picture of him playing darts on his Instagram story.

Instagram/@valtteribottas

Fans were quick to point out that the location tag included was Brackley, which is where the Mercedes team are based.

Reacting to Bottas’ post, one fan said on social media: “Bottas babe y r u in Brackley? WHY R U IN BRACKLEY?”

Another tweeted: “Now Bottas is at Brackley. Oh GARD.”

A third fan added: “What if Bottas isn’t actually in Brackley and he posted it as a joke.”

Bottas was Hamilton’s teammate from 2017 to 2021 before he left for Alfa Romeo.

During his time with the Silver Arrows, Bottas finished second in the driver’s championship on two occasions.

Speaking about his decision to leave Mercedes, Hamilton said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.

“But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge.”