Formula 1 experienced an unprecedented situation for the 2024 season, as every team retained the same driver line-up from the previous year. However, the driver market has already kicked into gear, ensuring plenty of changes for the 2025 season. Two drivers have already confirmed switches for 2025, one has announced their departure from their current team at the end of the year, and others have committed to staying with their current teams. Despite these movements, there are still nine seats to be filled before the grid is complete for 2025.
Red Bull has decided to stick with the same driver line-up for the fifth consecutive season in 2025. Sergio Perez will continue to partner three-time champion Max Verstappen, with Verstappen’s contract running until 2028. While Perez’s contract extension was mentioned, there is uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future beyond 2025 due to internal struggles within Red Bull.
Ferrari made an audacious and successful move to secure the services of Lewis Hamilton, luring him away from Mercedes. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. Leclerc had previously signed a contract covering “several more seasons” in January.
With Hamilton’s departure, George Russell is currently the only confirmed Mercedes driver for 2025. Mercedes is looking to promote their 17-year-old protege Kimi Antonelli to fill the vacant seat left by Hamilton.
McLaren was the first team to finalize their 2025 line-up. Lando Norris, F1’s most recent first-time race winner, will continue with the team until at least the end of 2026. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, will also remain with McLaren for a third consecutive year in 2025.
Aston Martin secured the services of 42-year-old Fernando Alonso for the 2025 season. Alonso, who scored eight podiums for the team last season, committed his future to Aston Martin early on. Lance Stroll also signed a new deal with the team, keeping him there through the first year of F1’s next rules cycle in 2026.
Alpine confirmed a “new multi-year” deal for Pierre Gasly, extending beyond the end of 2025. However, Esteban Ocon will be leaving the team after 2024, leaving his plans for 2025 yet to be announced.
Williams has re-signed Alex Albon, who has been the team’s standout driver in the ground effect era. The team’s principal, James Vowles, has outlined his vision for the team’s revival in the coming years. The identity of Albon’s teammate is still uncertain, but it is unlikely to be Logan Sargeant, who faces challenges to retain his place on the F1 grid.
Red Bull officially exercised its option to keep Yuki Tsunoda for 2025, but his teammate is yet to be confirmed. Daniel Ricciardo’s chances of returning to the main Red Bull team have ended with Perez’s new deal. Liam Lawson, another Red Bull driver, is also a threat to Ricciardo’s position if he doesn’t secure a seat with the team for 2025.
Nico Hulkenberg’s impressive performance at Haas has caught the attention of Sauber, and he has been signed as the first driver for the transitional 2025 season. The identity of his teammate is unknown, but it is unlikely to be either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu. Bottas may stay on the grid and is a candidate for Haas, Williams, and Alpine, while Zhou’s options are limited. Sauber is holding out for Carlos Sainz’s signature to lead their project.
Haas has two vacancies for 2025 following Hulkenberg’s departure. Ferrari protege Ollie Bearman has been announced as making his F1 debut in 2025, despite an average F2 season so far. If Haas decides not to retain Kevin Magnussen, Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas are among the contenders for the remaining seat. Yuki Tsunoda is also of interest to the team due to his strong performances in 2024.
