ALONSO IN A DRIVE TO MAKE MERC

Veteran 'could race until 50'

- Harry Smith

FERNANDO ALONSO claims he could replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025 and also believes he can continue racing into his 50s.

The Spaniard says he is in a "good position" for a pick of the seats as the "only available world champion" on the drivers' market for next year.

Hamilton stunned the F1 world this month by announcing he is swapping Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of this season.

And an intriguing option available to Mercedes to replace Hamilton is his former McLaren team-mate Alonso, who proved last season that he still has what it takes to fight at the front with Aston Martin.