F1 fans convinced they’ve worked out who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after spotting breakfast photo

FORMULA ONE fans are convinced Fernando Alonso will join Mercedes after his manager was spotted at breakfast with chief Toto Wolff.

Lewis Hamilton will depart the Silver Arrows at the end of the upcoming season to join rivals Ferrari at the start of 2025.

The seven-time world champion, Hamilton recently dropped the bombshell that the secret clause in his contract to sign the £100million deal with Ferrari has been triggered.

This leaves one of the best seats in F1 open for the taking.

And a pic of Alonso's manager Flavio Briatore with Mercedes boss Wolff on at Pasticceria Cova Montecarlo pastry shop in Monaco on Monday has got fans speculating.

One fan : "They are up to something. Fernando's name is the center of the conversation."

While another : "Fernando to Mercedes 🙂."

A third then put: "FLAVIO NOOO."

Alonso, 42, might be two-time world champion but he has not won a race since the 2013 season.

He’s flying at the moment though, finishing fourth in the championship after eight podium finishes.

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His contract with Aston Martin expires this year and he seems to rate his chances for a shot elsewhere, saying: “I know that I am attractive to other teams. 

“Let's see what the options are. I am aware of my situation which is very unique. 

"On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. 

“I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.

“If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin. 

“I trust this project and that will be my first priority.”

The new F1 season is set to get underway with pre-season testing taking place in Bahrain on February 21 as teams prepare to show off their new liveries for the first time.

The first race of the term will begin on March 2 in the West Asian country.