EXCLUSIVE: Formula 1 Driver Contracts Revealed – Who’s Staying and Who’s Going?
In a shocking turn of events, it seems the Formula 1 driver lineup is set for a major shakeup in the coming years. With contracts expiring left and right, fans are left wondering who will stay and who will go. We’ve got all the details right here.
First up, Max Verstappen. The Red Bull superstar recently signed a massive deal that will keep him with the team until 2028. However, rumors are swirling that he may not stick around for the entirety of his contract. Could we see Verstappen in a different car sooner than expected?
Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, has a shorter-term deal that expires at the end of 2024. If he doesn’t perform up to expectations, there could be a whole host of drivers vying for his seat. The pressure is on for Perez to prove himself.
Over at Mercedes, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell signed two-year deals in 2023. The intention was to keep them at the team until 2025. However, Hamilton’s contract has a surprising twist. It turns out the second year was an option on his side, and he has chosen to activate a release clause. The seven-time champion will be making a sensational switch to Ferrari in 2025. Can he bring his winning ways to the Italian team?
Speaking of Ferrari, both of their drivers’ contracts were set to expire at the end of 2024. However, Charles Leclerc recently signed an extension that covers “several more seasons.” The exact length of the extension remains a mystery, but it’s clear that Ferrari sees a bright future with Leclerc behind the wheel. Unfortunately for Carlos Sainz, there will be no extension. With Hamilton now joining the team in 2025, Sainz has acknowledged that the 2024 season will be his last with Ferrari.
Lando Norris, the young British talent, committed his future to McLaren in 2022 with a long-term deal. The agreement will keep him at the team until at least the end of 2025. Norris had discussions with Red Bull but ultimately chose to continue with McLaren. In January 2024, he re-committed with another “long-term” deal that will extend his stay until the end of 2026, and possibly beyond. McLaren is clearly banking on Norris to be their star driver for years to come.
Oscar Piastri, the rising star of 2023, had his McLaren contract upgraded to a four-year deal. After an impressive debut season, McLaren is confident in Piastri’s abilities and will be keeping him alongside Norris for at least another three years.
Fernando Alonso, the veteran driver, made a bombshell switch from Alpine to Aston Martin in 2022. His contract with the team is set to expire at the end of 2024. However, there are doubts about whether the 43-year-old will continue beyond that point. Only time will tell if Alonso has more gas left in the tank.
As for Lance Stroll, Alonso’s teammate at Aston Martin, the details of his contract are shrouded in secrecy. The public is left guessing about the future of their partnership. Will Stroll remain with the team or will they part ways? The answer remains unknown.
Esteban Ocon, the French driver, signed a three-year deal with the Renault works team in 2021. This contract allowed him to make his return to F1 after a year on the sidelines. Ocon’s contract will expire in 2024, and it’s unclear what the future holds for him.
Pierre Gasly, another Frenchman, also has a contract expiring in 2024. Gasly has been a consistent performer and will be looking to secure his future in the sport.
Alex Albon, who joined Williams in 2022 after a year as a reserve driver for Red Bull, has a multi-year deal that lasts until the end of 2024. With his impressive performances so far, Albon will have plenty of options for 2025.
Logan Sargeant, a rookie in 2023, was granted a second year in F1. Whether he remains beyond 2024 will depend on his progress and improvement.
Red Bull’s second team, now known as the Stake F1 team, has retained Yuki Tsunoda for a fourth season. Tsunoda will continue to showcase his skills while Daniel Ricciardo makes his comeback with the team.
Valtteri Bottas, who lost his Mercedes drive to Russell, landed at Alfa Romeo-branded Sauber with a multi-year deal that extends until the end of 2024.
Zhou Guanyu, a promising young driver, received a new one-year deal in 2023 that keeps him at the Stake F1 team (formerly Alpine) for the next two seasons.
Nico Hulkenberg, who returned to full-time F1 action after three years on the sidelines, has a two-year deal that expires at the end of 2024. Hulkenberg will be looking to make the most of his comeback.
Kevin Magnussen, in his seventh year with the team, also has a contract expiring in 2024. Will he continue his journey with the team or seek new opportunities?
The Formula 1 driver market is always full of surprises, and these contract expirations only add to the excitement. Stay tuned for more updates as the silly season unfolds.
In a stunning turn of events, Lewis Hamilton has made the decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This bombshell move has sent shockwaves throughout the racing world, leaving fans and experts alike speculating on what this means for both teams. Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes before even getting a chance to drive their latest W15 car is a clear sign of his lack of confidence in his current team. It’s a move that has left many questioning the future of Mercedes without their star driver.
For Ferrari, the signing of Hamilton is a major coup. It’s a statement of intent from the Italian team, showing that they are willing to do whatever it takes to compete at the highest level. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari is a selfish one, but it’s a move that deserves respect. It’s a bold choice that shows his determination to continue his success in Formula 1.
The news of Hamilton’s move has been formally acknowledged by both Mercedes and Ferrari. It’s a momentous shift in the F1 landscape, and one that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the sport. As fans and experts dissect the implications of this move, one thing is clear – the 2025 Formula 1 season just got a whole lot more interesting.
