Formula 1 witnessed a unique situation in 2024, as all teams kept their lineups from the previous year. However, the driver market has already started to shake things up for the 2025 season. Two drivers confirmed changes, one will leave his current team and others have chosen to stay where they are. With nine seats still to be filled, the 2025 F1 grid is far from complete.
Red Bull has decided to maintain the same driver lineup for the fifth consecutive year. Sergio Perez will continue to be the partner of three-time champion Max Verstappen. Perez’s contract has been extended for two years, but there is uncertainty about Verstappen’s future beyond 2025.
Ferrari made a bold move by attracting seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton away from Mercedes. Hamilton will join Charles Leclerc in the team, with Leclerc already having signed for several more seasons.
George Russell is currently the only confirmed driver for Mercedes in 2025, following Hamilton’s departure. Mercedes is considering promoting their young protege Kimi Antonelli to fill the vacant seat.
McLaren has already set their lineup for 2025. Lando Norris, the most recent first-time race winner, will remain with the team until at least the end of 2026. His teammate Oscar Piastri will also be part of an unchanged lineup for the third consecutive year.
Aston Martin has secured Fernando Alonso for the 2025 season, as he has committed his future to the team. Although Lance Stroll’s place has not been officially confirmed, there are no indications that his partnership is about to end.
The drivers for the 2025 Alpine season have not been confirmed yet. It is expected that Pierre Gasly will remain with the team, but Esteban Ocon will leave the team after 2024. Ocon has promised to announce his plans for 2025 soon.
Williams has extended Alex Albon’s contract, who has been standing out for the team. However, his teammate for 2025 is still uncertain. Carlos Sainz is a strong candidate to join Williams.
Red Bull’s second team has two spots for 2025. The chances of Daniel Ricciardo returning to the main team have ended, and Liam Lawson is free to race for another team if he doesn’t secure a spot at Red Bull.
Nico Hulkenberg’s impressive performance at Haas caught Sauber’s attention. He was hired as the lead driver for the 2025 transition season. The identity of his teammate has not been revealed yet.
Haas currently has two spots for 2025, with Kevin Magnussen’s contract expiring at the end of the year. Ferrari’s protege, Ollie Bearman, is likely to make his F1 debut in 2025, and Ocon and Bottas are potential candidates to complete Haas’ lineup. Tsunoda also sparks interest in the team.