Formula 1 entered 2024 with an unchanged driver lineup, but Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 changed everything. The driver market is now wide open, with surprises at every turn.
At Red Bull, the question of Sergio Perez’s future has become more complicated. Daniel Ricciardo’s poor performance and Yuki Tsunoda’s lack of recognition by Red Bull’s hierarchy have raised doubts about their positions. Red Bull may look outside their pool of drivers for a change, and one candidate is Carlos Sainz. Sainz’s recent win for Ferrari caught the attention of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
The search for Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes has also had some twists and turns. Team boss Toto Wolff has expressed a strong interest in Max Verstappen. This unexpected move surprised many, considering the past rivalry between Mercedes and Verstappen. However, Mercedes’ first priority is to sort out their car issues before pursuing Verstappen.
Fernando Alonso, who had a good start with Aston Martin last year, is also considering his options. The team’s loss of momentum and the availability of seats in more competitive teams have led Alonso to highlight his status as a free agent. Mercedes was initially seen as his best alternative, but recent developments suggest Alonso is seeking a seat at Red Bull.
Audi, the team that will replace Sauber, is also attracting attention. Despite their current struggles, drivers see the long-term potential of the project and the opportunity to build the team around themselves. Audi is seen as a middle ground option for drivers looking to move up from mid-grid teams like Williams or Alpine.
The Formula 2 championship is also generating excitement, with drivers like Ollie Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli expected to make it to F1 in 2025. Bearman’s impressive debut as Sainz’s substitute justified the hype surrounding him, while Mercedes considering Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement speaks volumes about his talent. These young drivers are likely to secure spots in F1, potentially replacing drivers from teams like Haas.
The driver market is constantly evolving and the F1 grid of 2025 will see new faces and unexpected changes. Watch the full debate for more insights on the future of Formula 1.
