Formula One’s silly season is usually one of the most exciting times of the year, with fans of the sport fascinated to see which drivers will switch teams.

Yet, for the first time in history, not one change will be made to the grid from the last race of the season going into the start of the next campaign.

The upcoming year could provide one of the biggest driver markets in recent times with the futures of 15 out of the 20 drivers still yet to be decided for 2025.

Only world champion Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are tied down for 2025. Though just like in football, contracts might not mean a thing if a team is determined enough to bring someone.

With that in mind, Mail Sport runs you through team-by team at the contract situations for all 20 drivers, and picks out possible candidates teams could be keeping their eyes on.

Max Verstappen is one of just five of the 20 drivers on the grid with a contract for 2025

Red Bull

Max Verstappen – 2028

Sergio Perez – 2024

Verstappen has the safest seat in the sport with another five years still to run on his deal. If Red Bull are as dominant in those years as they were in 2023, the Dutchman could be an eight-time champion by the age of 31.

However, after a disappointing 2023 season, his team-mate Sergio Perez appears to have one of the least secure seats in the grid. Unless there is a drastic improvement, 2024 will likely be the Mexican’s last with the team.

Should Perez get the boot, then a seat in a car which won 21 out of 22 races last year will understandably catch the attention of every other driver.

The likely contenders though could come in the form of AlphaTauri pair Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda. Ricciardo had been linked with the seat for 2024 before Red Bull decided to stay loyal to Perez.

Red Bull dominated in 2023 though Sergio Perez (left) had just two wins compared to Verstappen’s (right) record-breaking total of 19

Perez is in the last year of his deal and is one of the most at-risk drivers of losing their seat

Tsunoda hasn’t been as strongly viewed to partner Verstappen – perhaps due to the struggles that Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly had against the Dutchman. But the Japanese driver is improving year-on-year and will to dominate Ricciardo this year to stand a chance.

But should neither Ricciardo or Tsunoda convince enough in 2024, then Christian Horner and Helmut Marko could look out of the Red Bull ranks.

Lando Norris is contracted until 2025, but Red Bull’s top brass have spoken up on his abilities, and the British driver has the kind of personality that the Milton Keynes based outfit love.

Carlos Sainz is out of contract with Ferrari at the end of 2024 and could be a safe pair of hands. He kept Verstappen honest in their early Torro Rosso days, though lacked the pace to cause the Dutchman too much of a challenge – which could be perfect for Red Bull.

Contenders – Norris, Ricciardo, Sainz, Tsunoda

Daniel Ricciardo appears to be the driver best placed to replace as long as he has a good 2024

Red Bull could look outside their stable at the likes of Lando Norris (left) and Carlos Sainz (right)

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton – 2025

George Russell – 2025

Both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are tied down for 2025 and it would be a surprise to see either of them leave after the coming season.

Russell in particular seems to have a long-term future with the team. There is no reason for him to leave given that he’s currently primed to be the leader of the Mercedes outfit once Hamilton decides to call it a day.

Hamilton turns 39 in January and questions will arise if Mercedes again fail to deliver him a title-winning car.

He is desperate for his record eighth championship, but time is perhaps running out to move out on his own ahead of Michael Schumacher.

After winning a race in each of his first 15 seasons in F1 – he has not won a race in his last two

Mercedes appear confident they can turn the corner in 2024 and become a force once again. But if they can’t, then there seems to be little evidence that they will be able to compete again until at least the 2026 regulation changes – when Hamilton will be 41.

Hamilton can take inspiration from Fernando Alonso and race into his 40s but after years of dominating the sport the question remains how patient he will be at Mercedes to win his eighth championship.

There has been talk this year that Hamilton has spoken to Red Bull and Ferrari – both of whom he has strongly denied holding such talks.

Red Bull are unlikely to partner Hamilton with Verstappen for the problems it would likely cause. Ferrari could present an opportunity if one of their drivers leave, but the likelihood is that the team best fit to give him a shot at the championship is the one that has guided him to six of his seven championships.

Mercedes are optimistic they can challenge in 2024 though Hamilton’s future at the Brackley-based outfit could again come into question if they are unable to close the gap to the top

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc – 2024

Carlos Sainz – 2024

It was another painful year for Ferrari in 2023, even if they finished off the campaign strongly with a victory for Sainz in Singapore and a number of pole positions and podiums for Leclerc.

But 2024 is a big one for Ferrari with both Leclerc and Sainz out of contract at the end of the season – though there has been speculation that the former has already an agreement before the start of the new season.

Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport this month claimed that he had reached a five-year deal – worth £43m per season – to extend his stay at the Maranello to 2029.

Red Bull and Mercedes team principals Horner and Toto Wolff both said it would be a ‘no-brainer’ for Ferrari to sign him up to an extension. However, one of that length could be a risk for the Monegasque driver.

Reports have suggested that Leclerc is on the verge of signing a new five-year deal

Ferrari have not won a drivers’ championship in 16 years and have been prone to shooting themselves in the foot in recent years – particularly when it comes to strategy.

Leclerc is one of the quickest drivers on the grid and at 26 he has a lot of time ahead of him to win a championship. But if a deal has not been signed and Ferrari start off the season poorly, then he might consider his options.

There has reportedly been a hold-up with Sainz over a new contract as the Spaniard wants a multi-year deal which the Scuderia outfit were not as willing.

If they can’t meet terms then Sainz could look elsewhere to seats at Red Bull, Aston Martin, Alpine or Sauber – before they turn into Audi in a couple of years.

If Sainz were to leave, then a driver like Alex Albon could interest the Italian team.

Contender – Albon

Carlos Sainz’s future is less certain but there would be plenty of interest if the Spaniard leaves

McLaren

Lando Norris – 2025

Oscar Piastri – 2026

Lando Norris and impressive 2023 rookie Oscar Piastri have contracts with McLaren until at least the 2025 season.

However, the future of Norris is a hot topic of discussion, and the British driver’s performances have alerted other top teams.

The 24-year-old is going into his sixth season in Formula One and 2024 could be make or break for Norris who is still yet to win a race.

Red Bull are admirers, while Mercedes and Ferrari could view him as a future replacement for one of their drivers.

World champions Red Bull would have to get him out of his McLaren contract if they want him in 2025, though Norris could also be keen on a Mercedes seat with both of their drivers set to reach the end of their deals at the same time.

Piastri completes the best young line-up on the grid this coming season, having shooting onto the scene last year with some impressive displays including a spring race victory in Qatar.

His original McLaren contract was upgraded to a four-year deal and he won’t be leaving McLaren any time soon.

Lando Norris is admired by other top Formula One teams including Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso – 2024

Lance Stroll – Rolling

Last season saw somewhat of a resurgence for 42-year-old Fernando Alonso who finished fourth in the championship – taking eight podiums.

The Spaniard has long been one of the best drivers on the grid, but whether he stays past 2024 will depend on whether Aston Martin gives him a competitive car where he can continue to challenge for podiums or even higher.

Lance Stroll is on a rolling contract and his future seems secure as long as his dad Lawrence runs the team.

However, the Canadian showed signs of frustration during the second-half of last season. Notably, shoving his trainer and swearing on TV after being eliminated in Q1 for the Qatar Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso showed in 2023 that he can still challenge at the top if given the right car

Stroll’s performances though ultimately cost Aston Martin a higher finish in the constructors’ championship and Nico Rosberg’s brutal assessment that ‘any other driver would be out’ is probably true.

It’s a problematic dilemma for Aston Martin and one that can only be solved with an upturn in performance by Lance, or the driver himself deciding his future lies elsewhere.

Should Stroll or Alonso leave there would be a whole host of drivers who would be interested in the Aston seat. Those include the likes of Albon, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly and maybe even Sainz.

Felipe Drugovich could be an option as long as they have someone experienced in the other seat such as Alonso.

Potential candidates – Albon, Drugovich, Gasly, Ocon, Sainz

Lance Stroll showed frustration in the second-half of 2023 but his seat looks secure

It looks unlikely Lance would lose his seat with father Lawrence (pictured) owning the team

Alpine

Esteban Ocon – 2024

Pierre Gasly – 2024

Alpine will be an interesting watch in 2024 to see if they can get out of their midfield purgatory and get any closer to the level of performances which they had hoped for themselves.

Former CEO Laurent Rossi said before the 2022 campaign that they want to be winning races by the end of 2024.

However, in 2023, they moved down the grid, finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship – after finishing fourth in 2022.

Ocon and Gasly both have one race win to their name, and are both reliable pair of hands who will feel that they can add more to their name if given the right machinery.

Esteban Ocon could be looking for a new drive as he enters his fifth season at Alpine

Gasly said their goal is to win races in 2024, but if they fail to move closer to contention, then both drivers will arguably be considering their options.

Ocon, who will be entering his fifth year with the team, would perhaps be the more likely to leave.

An Alpine seat could attract a number of drivers on the grid, though they could look to bring one in from junior formulas alongside one of Ocon or Gasly.

Frenchman Victor Martins finished fifth in the F2 championship at his first attempt in 2023, and would appear to have the edge on Australian Jack Doohan at this moment in time.

Red Bull driver Perez alternatively could provide a more experienced option and has shown in the past to be similar on pace with Ocon in race trim.

Potential candidates – Doohan, Martins, Perez

Pierre Gasly hopes for wins in 2024 but it would be a big surprise if Alpine can make a huge leap

Williams

Alex Albon – 2024

Logan Sargeant – 2024

If you were to ask most die-hard Formula One fans their top five drivers of 2023, the Williams of Alex Albon would feature in many.

Albon almost single-handedly guided Williams to a seventh placed finish in the championship, after years of the legendary team sitting bottom of the F1 standings.

The London born-Thai driver will certainly be an option for other teams on the grid if he continues his excellent form into 2024.

He would definitely be among the list of options if a seat at the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin or Alpine open up.

The only fear among top teams would be his performances at Red Bull alongside Verstappen in 2020. But Albon has matured as a driver since then and it has become clear that not many drivers can live up to the Dutchman’s speed.

Alex Albon (left) would be a desirable option for a number of teams if he can build on from an excellent 2023

Logan Sargeant needs to show a big improvement in 2024 if he is to keep his Williams drive

Sargeant meanwhile was given the benefit of the doubt and kept his seat for 2024 – despite scoring just one point compared to Albon’s 27.

The American driver needs to show improvement quickly or he could be even at risk of losing his seat mid-season.

One driver to watch out for in Formula Two is Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who only at 17-years-old, has a huge amount of hype behind him.

If he lives up on that hype during the 2024 F2 season, he would be almost guaranteed a second seat at Williams – so Mercedes can monitor him for the future.

Should Albon leave, Williams will need an experienced driver for the first seat. Which could be where someone like Perez or Ricciardo could be options.

Potential candidates – Antonelli, Perez, Ricciardo

Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli could be an option for Williams if he impresses in Formula Two

Sauber

Valtteri Bottas – 2024

Zhou Guanyu – 2024

Alfa Romeo no more, the team is back to its legendary Sauber name, at least until Audi come into the fold in 2026.

The futures of both of their drivers are uncertain as things stand.

Valterri Bottas has changed a lot since his days at Mercedes where he won 10 races alongside Hamilton. The most notable part of his 2023 season was having a mullet and moustache, and having a calendar containing pictures of him baring his backside – which to his credit earned around £120,000 for charity.

Valtteri Bottas’ calendar containing pictures of him baring his backside earned £120,000 for charity – though his on-track performances left a lot to be desired during the 2023 season

His on-track performances though left a lot to be desired – though that could be because of his uncompetitive car.

At 34 though, the team could be looking elsewhere to bring in a top driver who can lead the team into the Audi era – where it is hoped they could become a force in years to come.

Zhou Guanyu finished behind Bottas in the championship and he will need to start beating his experienced team-mate to preserve his F1 future.

2023 F2 champion Theo Pourchaire almost looks guaranteed to get one of the seats for the 2025 season – and arguably should have had a drive in the coming season.

Sauber would love to bring in someone like Sainz or Norris for the Audi era – though it would be a big leap of faith for either driver to join the team who won its only race with Robert Kubica under the BMW moniker back in 2008.

Potential candidates – Perez, Pourchaire, Ricciardo, Sainz

Zhou Guanyu will need to start beating Bottas more regularly if he is to keep his seat

Theo Pourchaire looks destined to join the team in 2025 after winning the F2 championship

AlphaTauri

Daniel Ricciardo – 2024

Yuki Tsunoda – 2024

Both drivers will have eyes on the sister Red Bull car in 2025, but they might also have to keep an eye over their shoulder.

Ricciardo would love to be in a car challenging at the front of the grid, but he will likely first need to beat team-mate Tsunoda who has shown signs of improvements year-on-year.

If he is convincingly beaten by the 23-year-old Japanese driver, Ricciardo could well find himself out of Formula One once again.

Daniel Ricciardo is hoping to return to Red Bull in 2025 (pictured with them in 2015)

There would also be concerns for Tsunoda if he is well off the pace of Ricciardo. Red Bull are famously brutal when it comes to young drivers in their junior team.

Liam Lawson who impressed while covering for an injured Ricciardo would be the most likely driver to join the team if there is a void in 2025.

A host of junior drivers including American Jak Crawford, Frenchman Isack Hadjar and Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa could also be seen as options.

Potential candidates – Crawford, Hadjar, Iwasa, Lawson

Yuki Tsunoda is an outsider for the Red Bull seat in 2024 – but would need a big season

Haas

Nico Hulkenberg – 2024

Kevin Magnussen – 2024

The American outfit had an awful 2023 season, as they occasionally showed pace in qualifying, only to constantly eat through their tyres during races.

Nico Hulkenburg convincingly had the better of Kevin Magnussen in terms of performance, and if that happens again in 2024, he will likely keep his seat.

The German – who is still yet to finish on the podium in 203 attempts – is unlikely to attract the interest of teams higher up the championship but has pace and doesn’t crash as much as others who have driven the Haas in recent years.

However, 2024 could be the last in Formula One for Kevin Magnussen unless he can turn the tide at Haas following a poor 2023 season.

Haas wanted experience in 2023 after the likes of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin cost the team a lot of money in recent years after numerous on-track crashes.

They could turn to the likes of Perez or Ricciardo if they want to go for another experienced driver, while Brit Oliver Bearman could be an option if they decide to give a rookie a chance.

Potential candidates – Bearman, Perez, Ricciardo

Haas will likely make a chance to their line-up after a poor 2023 season where they finished last

 

Andretti (place on the grid needs to be finalised)

One story to watch out for in 2024 is whether Andretti are added as an 11th expansion team for 2025.

They were given the green light by the FIA to enter Formula One, but they also need to reach a deal with FOM – F1’s commercial rights holder owned by Liberty Media.

FOM is also having to look after the interests of F1’s 10 existing teams, many of which are vehemently against Andretti joining the grid at the current terms – mainly since it could lead to them receiving lower prize money.

Michael Andretti – son of 1978 F1 champion Mario and owner of the Andretti Autosport IndyCar team – doesn’t agree with their reasoning and is confident that through raising sponsorship and marketing spend from his partner Cadillac, his team will bring in additional revenue so that existing teams don’t lose any income.

Andretti would like to field at least one American driver and has named IndyCar driver Colton Herta as a potential candidate.

Herta would need to win the 2024 IndyCar championship in order to secure a superlicense in time for the start of the 2025 season, so Logan Sargeant could be an alternative option.

Alex Palou and McLaren’s Mexican reserve Pato O’Ward could also be options.

They would probably likely to put in an experienced driver alongside an American, which is where the likes of Bottas, Magnussen, Perez or Ricciardo could come in.

Michael Andretti still faces a fight to get his team on the grid for the start of the 2025 season

Predicted 2025 F1 grid

Red Bull – Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz

Mercedes – Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

Ferrari – Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon

McLaren – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Aston Martin – Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll

Alpine – Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez

Williams – Daniel Ricciardo and Andrea Kimi Antonelli

AlphaTauri – Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson

Alfa Romeo –  Valtteri Bottas and Theo Pourchaire

Haas – Nico Hulkenberg and Oliver Bearman

Andretti (if permission given) – Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant