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The way forward for a number of System One drivers was confirmed within the final week because the 2025 driver line-up begins to take form.
Sergio Perez was locked in at Pink Bull for one more yr whereas Yuki Tsunoda was confirmed by RB and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine exit was introduced.
However with loads of unanswered questions and rising hypothesis, we check out what continues to be to be resolved.
Who has been confirmed?
Lewis Hamilton triggered an intriguing driver market shake-up when he confirmed he was quitting Mercedes after 11 years and 6 world championship titles to make a blockbuster transfer to Ferrari after this season.
Meaning Sainz, the one non-Pink Bull driver to win a race final yr, is leaving the Scuderia with Charles Leclerc confirmed as Hamilton’s team-mate for 2025.
Pink Bull introduced that Perez had agreed a brand new deal till the tip of 2026, partnering Max Verstappen on the sport’s dominant workforce.
McLaren have locked in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for 2025 and past, Fernando Alonso prolonged his stick with Aston Martin, George Russell has a Mercedes seat, Tsunoda is staying at RB, Alex Albon at Williams and Nico Hulkenberg is swapping Haas for Sauber.
What occurs subsequent?
Sainz is the large participant nonetheless out there. Regardless of being considered probably the greatest drivers on the grid, the Spaniard seems to have run out of choices at main groups.
Pink Bull retaining Perez, regardless of the Mexican’s struggles, closed that door and Mercedes don’t look like taking a look at Sainz as Russell’s accomplice.
That leaves the Spaniard seemingly selecting between Williams and Sauber – who will change into Audi in 2026 – as he admitted this week he’s searching for a “medium-to-long-term venture”.
Williams are making no secret of their want to convey Sainz on board instead of Logan Sargeant, with workforce principal James Vowles saying he’s their “primary goal”.
Younger Englishman Oliver Bearman has reportedly agreed to hitch Haas for 2025 after impressing in a stand-in show for Ferrari this season and Aston Martin look set to verify Lance Stroll will stay Alonso’s accomplice.
Who replaces Hamilton?
It could seem the Silver Arrows are leaning in direction of throwing younger prodigy Kimi Antonelli in at System One’s deep finish.
Group principal Toto Wolff instructed Sky Sports activities F1 this weekend: “We need to concentrate on Kimi, that’s our future.”
The 17-year-old Italian, who was fast-tracked to F2 this season, has been labelled the “actual deal” by technical director James Allison and appears sure to get the second Mercedes seat subsequent season.
Which different drivers could possibly be on the transfer?
Tsunoda’s RB team-mate shouldn’t be sure. Daniel Ricciardo had a well-timed robust weekend in Canada – qualifying fifth and ending eighth – after high-profile criticism of his shows and with Liam Lawson ready within the wings.
Alpine introduced Esteban Ocon’s exit earlier this week however are anticipated to retain Pierre Gasly. He could possibly be partnered by Australian Jack Doohan, who briefly drove in first observe in Canada, whereas Ocon made clear his intention to remain in F1.
Sauber haven’t introduced a accomplice for Hulkenberg, with Valtteri Bottas wanting more likely to depart and probably be on Alpine or Haas’ radar. Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu can also be but to safe his future.
Extra reporting by PA
