The 2025 Formula 1 grid is nearly finalized after Carlos Sainz signed with Williams and Checo Pérez confirmed for Red Bull, yet there are still positions to be filled.
During the season break, the time for rumors in the paddock arises concerning how the various teams will be structured for the near future and whether everyone will have clarity about their 2025 lineup when activities resume at the end of August.
Despite developments since February regarding a grid that saw no changes in 2024 compared to 2023, four seats remain available for several drivers who do not have contracts and are keen to secure their first opportunity or return to the top tier.
This anticipation comes ahead of a calendar viewed as transitional, taking place in a year marked by stability in both venues and regulations, leading into a significant rule overhaul in 2026, particularly concerning engines, which will bring new brands and some changes among manufacturers and suppliers.
Securing a seat could mean retaining it for this new era in the Grand Circus, as few would want to start from scratch with all components of the team; here are the four cockpits that still need to be filled for 2025, along with the candidates for those positions:
Mercedes
The most sought-after vacancy in the series is at Silver Arrows, which opened up when British Lewis Hamilton, a six-time champion with the team from 2014 to 2020, announced his departure from Ferrari, surprising everyone in the final stages of his career.
This left director Toto Wolff with the task of finding a replacement to pair with British driver George Russell, who is signed through the end of next season but could receive an extension to provide stability for the German company.
While names such as Frenchman Esteban Ocon, Spaniard Carlos Sainz, and even a return for Finn Valtteri Bottas have been mentioned, the director himself has dismissed these options, leaving many wondering what the plans will be for a company that recently dominated F1. The likely choice appears to be:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
With all other candidates ruled out, the only viable option seems to be the 17-year-old Italian (turning 18 on August 25), who is seen as the next Max Verstappen within the organization. However, after skipping F3, he is just beginning his journey in F2, where he has already achieved a couple of victories; despite his talent, an immediate promotion to that position would be an unusual move for the Germans.
RB
The second team of Red Bull has confirmed Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for next season after a strong start in 2024, scoring points in five of the first eight races during his fourth season with the team. However, his long-term future remains uncertain since Honda will cease supplying engines to the Austrian company by 2026.
His current partner, Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, is in the final year of his contract and has been linked to a promotion, potentially replacing Mexican driver Sergio Pérez, who has declined since turning 35. As a result, his time in the series may come to an end as soon as December, with these candidates waiting:
Liam Lawson
The New Zealander made a strong impression when he filled in for Ricciardo at five Grands Prix in 2023, even scoring two points by finishing ninth in Singapore. However, he has not enjoyed consistent opportunities and is currently content as a reserve driver. At 22, he cannot remain in this role much longer and is the top contender to partner with Yuki.
Ayumu Iwasa/Isack Hadjar
RB (and its previous incarnations) has served as a testing ground for members of the Red Bull Junior Team, with the most promising candidates being Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa, currently ranked fourth in the Super Formula in Japan, and Franco-Algerian Isack Hadjar, who at 19 leads the F2 championship, the final stepping stone to F1. Both could potentially begin their careers at the highest level.
Alpine
The French team made two significant moves ahead of 2025 in June when it announced that Esteban Ocon would not return to the team, while Pierre Gasly renewed his contract for “several years,” positioning him as the face of a team that faces various uncertainties leading into 2026.
Ocon, who had a collision with the other pink car in Monaco, quickly found refuge at Haas, where he will partner with British rookie Oliver Bearman in a complete overhaul within the American team. Meanwhile, Alpine continues to search for someone to fill Ocon’s position.
The team’s management aimed to attract Sainz (who had previously raced for Renault in 2017-2018), but despite efforts from his former Red Bull teammate Gasly and Flavio Briatore, who has returned to the organization, the Iberian will continue with Williams, leaving the following candidates:
Jack Doohan
The Australian has served as Alpine’s reserve driver for the last two seasons, finishing second in F3 in 2021 and third in F2 in 2023. He has already tested the car in practice sessions in Canada and Great Britain this year and would be a strong in-house option given his potential at just 21.
Mick Schumacher
The German, who raced for Haas in 2021 and 2022, has emerged as a potential candidate due to his experience driving Alpine’s car in the World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He has also recently tested an older F1 model. Although he is currently a Mercedes reserve, the door remains open for the son of the legendary Michael to return to racing.
Guanyu Zhou
The Chinese driver, who does not have a contract with Sauber for 2025, was part of the Alpine Academy from 2019 to 2021 and served as a reserve for two seasons before moving to the Swiss team in 2022, where he has already participated in 58 Grands Prix. He also enjoys significant support from fans in his home country.
Sauber
A revolution is underway in the Swiss team as Audi will take full control by 2026. In the meantime, Audi has been making decisions from a distance over the past two years but has already signed German driver Nico Hülkenberg from Haas for the coming season.
The current driving duo of Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas may be replaced entirely, unless the management opts to maintain ties with the Chinese market or keep two experienced drivers who can ensure top-10 finishes when the opportunity arises. If changes do occur, these are potential candidates:
Mick Schumacher
Michael’s son could also re-enter the sport through this team if Audi intends to field an all-German pairing for 2026, using 2025 as a trial year with two drivers who understand the level of competition; however, Alpine’s all-French lineup did not succeed as expected.
Zane Maloney
The 20-year-old from Barbados has had an impressive career in the top tier, being the British F4 champion, finishing second in F3, and currently sitting third in F2. He would represent a strong home-grown option, albeit Audi has no obligations to him and may prefer a more seasoned driver for the medium-term future.
The 2025 Formula 1 Grid is Almost Complete: Latest Updates and Insights
The exciting world of Formula 1 is buzzing with news and speculation as the 2025 grid takes shape. Following Carlos Sainz‘s recent signing with Williams and Checo Pérez‘s confirmation of his spot at Red Bull, there are still several seats awaiting drivers eager to make their mark in the sport.
As the mid-season break approaches, it’s the ideal time for team rumors and speculations about the future of various lineups across the paddock. With the 2024 season’s driver roster remaining unchanged since 2023, the anticipation for 2025 builds, bringing to light the potential vacancies and candidates aiming to secure a place in this prestigious racing series.
While the grid for 2024 seems stable, the 2025 season will undoubtedly be transitional. This period will come before the significant regulatory changes expected in 2026, especially concerning engine specifications, which will welcome new manufacturers and encourage shifts among current suppliers. Given this context, securing a seat in 2025 could be crucial for teams, avoiding the need to start afresh in the new era.
Current Openings and Potential Candidates for the 2025 Season
As of now, four spots remain open, and many drivers are eager for their first taste of F1 or a chance for a comeback. Here’s a look at the teams with vacancies and the candidates likely vying for those positions:
Mercedes
The Mercedes seat has become a hot topic following the departure of Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari, leaving George Russell looking for a new teammate. Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, is now faced with the task of finding an appropriate replacement that can match Russell’s talent.
Names like Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, and even Valtteri Bottas have been floated, but with those options seemingly off the table, one name that stands out is:
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli: The Italian prodigy is gaining attention as the next big thing, having shown promising results in F2. At just 17 years old, he is being touted as a potential star for Mercedes, although his rapid ascension to F1 would be unprecedented.
Red Bull Racing
Red Bull continues to solidify its future with the confirmation of Yuki Tsunoda but faces uncertainty around Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Pérez. With Pérez’s performance waning, changes are on the horizon.
Here’s who we anticipate could be stepping in:
- Liam Lawson: After impressing in 2023, Lawson is a strong candidate to replace Ricciardo, especially considering his previous performances and retention as a reserve driver.
- Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar: Emerging from the Red Bull Junior Team, both are being closely watched. Iwasa is doing well in Super Formula, while Hadjar leads in F2, making them promising prospects for Red Bull’s second seat.
Alpine
Following a dramatic shift, Alpine has confirmed that Pierre Gasly will remain while Esteban Ocon heads to Haas. The team now looks for a new face to join Gasly, with several names in contention:
- Jack Doohan: The Australian has been a reserve driver and is well-regarded. With F3 and F2 experience under his belt, he’s a leading candidate to step up.
- Mick Schumacher: Having already taken strides in the World Endurance Championship, Schumacher’s ties to Alpine could see him returning to the F1 grid.
- Guanyu Zhou: With no current contract with Sauber, Zhou’s prior association with Alpine could provide another layer to his candidacy.
Sauber
With significant changes on the horizon as Audi prepares to take full control in 2026, Sauber is expected to undergo a transformation. Currently, Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas are both without contracts. Key candidates for potential recruitment include:
- Mick Schumacher: He could solidify his return through Sauber, especially if Audi aims for a German driver lineup.
- Zane Maloney: This talented young driver has been gaining traction in F2 and could provide a fresh perspective for the team.
Drivers Without Contracts: The Dark Horses
As teams assess their options, several seasoned and emerging drivers are currently without contracts. These competitors could surprise fans and teams alike:
- Daniel Ricciardo: Although his future remains uncertain, Ricciardo’s experience may keep him in contention for a role at Red Bull or elsewhere.
- Esteban Ocon: With a new future at Haas, Ocon’s performance in 2025 will be crucial as he transitions to a new team dynamic.
Expected Changes Ahead
The reshuffling within the grid for the 2025 season certainly brings forth excitement, but the implications extend beyond the immediate. With anticipated regulatory changes heading into 2026, winning a seat in 2025 is not merely about racing; it is about positioning teams for success in the coming new era of Formula 1.
Potential Benefits for Teams Securing Early Contracts
- Stability: Teams can build tailored strategies for their secured drivers.
- Proven Talent: Early signings guarantee a lineup of experienced drivers geared for performance.
- Brand Loyalty: Teams solidifying drivers early build long-term brand connections with fans and sponsors.
Insights from Former Drivers
Examining the impacts of early signings, former F1 drivers have shared perspectives on the advantages of securing a spot early. Here are key insights:
- Building team chemistry takes time, and early contracts allow that to develop.
- Drivers who have long-term contracts tend to perform better under pressure due to their sense of job security.
Conclusion
As the grid for the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches completion, fans and teams alike brace for exciting developments. The dynamics of driver signings will shape not only the competitive landscape but also the strategic positioning of teams heading into a transformative era. Stay tuned for updates as the new season rolls closer and team announcements unfold!
