Historic Mercedes Formula 1 vehicle from the 1950s might fetch a record-breaking £41 million at auction. This renowned Mercedes racing car is anticipated to sell for more than £40 million in the upcoming month.

A legendary Formula 1 car from Mercedes might be auctioned for a groundbreaking price surpassing £41 million.

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Stromlinienwagen, famously driven by Formula 1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio, is being sold by the auction house RM Sotheby’s.

RM Sotheby is opening up bidding for an F1 car at a starting price of £41 million (equivalent to 50 million euros), potentially setting a new record for the sale of such a vehicle.

The existing highest price is £19.6 million, which belongs to a different Mercedes W196R.

This Formula 1 car, driven by Fangio, clinched victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix.

Later that season, Sir Stirling Moss took the wheel of the same car chassis at Monza, where he recorded the quickest lap time.

In 1955, Fangio clinched his second world championship, while Moss ended the season in second place.

In 1965, Mercedes gifted the vehicle to the museum at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it has been housed there for 59 years.

The item is set to go under the hammer on February 1, with anticipations of achieving a record-breaking price.

The highest-priced Formula 1 car ever sold is the 1954 Mercedes W196R, fetching $19.6 million in 2013.

During the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bonhams conducted an auction where the Silver Arrow was sold.

Coming in second is the Mercedes car from 2013, which was Lewis Hamilton's first victory-winning vehicle.

In 2023, that sold for £15.1 million.

Rounding out the top three is the Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher in 2003.

In 2022, an auction in Switzerland saw the item being sold for £10.7 million.

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Renowned football coach seeks discussion with Max Verstappen

"I'm curious about how Max Verstappen maintains such intense focus while driving at high speeds. If someone could share that insight with me, I'd be eager to apply it to the world of football."

Renowned football manager Jurgen Klopp is eager to gain insights from Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen following Klopp's recent appointment at Red Bull.

Klopp has been named the global head of football for Red Bull, stepping into this role after pausing his managerial career following a successful period with Liverpool.

The individual, aged 57, was introduced in his new position this past weekend and expressed his intention to have a conversation with Red Bull's leading driver.

Max Verstappen has claimed victory in the past four F1 drivers' championships, securing his position as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

When discussing Verstappen, Klopp remarked, "There's just so much to discuss!"

Klopp mentioned on the official Red Bull website that it's not only about his concentration but also various other aspects.

"It's quite astonishing. I would be fascinated to spend time with him to learn how he manages to perform at his peak mental state while facing the risk of traveling at speeds of 300 miles per hour in a car. It's truly intriguing."

In a press conference, Klopp remarked: "I'm curious about how Max Verstappen maintains complete focus while racing at such high speeds. I'd love to learn about that, and see if I can apply it to football."

Verstappen applauds Red Bull for recruiting Klopp.

Verstappen expressed approval of Red Bull's choice to add Klopp to their team.

In an interview with Sky Sports last year, Verstappen revealed that he had been aware for some time that discussions were taking place and that an agreement was nearly finalized.

"Red Bull is heavily investing in soccer by supporting their various teams, and this commitment has already yielded a significant amount of talented players."

"Having Jurgen at the helm, with his wealth of experience and history of leading top clubs, is beneficial for the entire organization."

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Franco Colapinto’s representative shares information about discussions with Red Bull following Christian Horner's expressed "interest." Colapinto's management engaged in conversations with Red Bull.

The manager of Franco Colapinto has revealed that Red Bull was highly interested in him prior to his decision to sign with Alpine.

Alpine announced that Colapinto will be their new test and reserve driver for the next season.

In 2024, the impressive displays by the Argentine driver while racing for Williams caught the attention of Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull. Horner considered the idea of pairing Colapinto with Max Verstappen.

As the year drew to a challenging close, Red Bull's attention shifted away, leading them to concentrate on their in-house alternatives.

Liam Lawson received a promotion to Red Bull, and Isack Hadjar was given a position with Racing Bulls.

In an interview with Infobae, Maria Catarineu, who manages Colapinto, mentioned: "Christian definitely expressed a keen interest in Franco. This could potentially involve a role with Red Bull, either as Max's partner or on their secondary team. There have been multiple expressions of interest from others as well."

He was interested in finding out about the status of Williams and wanted to have a conversation with James.

"The Red Bull path was ultimately not possible for various reasons."

Initially, Red Bull has a governing board and a robust driver academy, which includes drivers who were waiting for their chance; unfortunately, things didn't pan out as expected.

“Indeed, Christian's trip served as a means for Williams to grasp what Franco's prospects looked like moving forward.”

Colapinto will need to be patient for his opportunity with Alpine, which is expected to come in 2025.

Jack Doohan faces immediate pressure to deliver, so he may not have a long wait.

Flavio Briatore has openly expressed his admiration for Colapinto, and considering the probable expense involved in securing him, it seems unavoidable that he will eventually take over Doohan's position within the next year.

Currently, Colapinto is set to take on the role of test and reserve driver for the team.

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Jacques Villeneuve has drawn a comparison between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, stating that if Verstappen were absent, it wouldn't matter much to people, whereas Hamilton's absence would raise concerns.

Jacques Villeneuve is of the opinion that if Max Verstappen decided to leave Formula 1, it wouldn't garner much attention from people. However, he feels that the situation would be significantly different if Lewis Hamilton were to retire from the sport.

The 1997 Formula 1 world champion compared Verstappen and Hamilton, stating that Hamilton's move to Ferrari is the biggest driver signing since the legendary Michael Schumacher became part of the Italian team.

Villeneuve states that Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, has redefined the traditional image of a Formula 1 driver and has gained a broad following that reaches beyond just Formula 1 fans.

According to the Canadian in a statement to Action Network, Lewis Hamilton's potential switch to Ferrari is the biggest F1 transfer since Michael Schumacher transitioned from Benetton to Ferrari.

Regardless of race outcomes, Lewis Hamilton is considered the greatest driver ever due to the large fanbase he has amassed.

"He stands out as truly distinct. He is one of a kind and has shattered expectations. Much depends on him due to his immense presence. His reputation extends beyond the realm of Formula 1, and few drivers share such a widespread influence."

"Remove Verstappen from Formula 1, and it doesn't make much difference to people. Remove Hamilton, and it matters a lot to the fans."

"Certainly, this is the most significant acquisition. Additionally, Ferrari ranks among the top global brands, potentially even the foremost. Therefore, combining these two elements is indeed remarkable."

Briatore Criticizes Hamilton Signing as Shortsighted

Flavio Briatore joined others in Formula 1 in expressing skepticism over Ferrari's choice to bring in Hamilton to replace Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season.

The executive director of Alpine mentioned to Sport.de that witnessing Lewis with Ferrari will feel unusual. While he respects these kinds of choices, he is also curious about their logic. Ferrari already has two excellent drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"I can't comprehend why they decided to break up such a strong duo. It's not my place to make judgments, but if I were in charge at Ferrari, I wouldn't have chosen to bring Lewis on board."

"Essentially, having Lewis race for Ferrari benefits Formula 1. Anything that benefits the sport is also beneficial for me. It will likely boost television viewership and ratings as well. We should wait and observe. Only time will reveal how well he performs with Ferrari."

However, Villeneuve claimed that Hamilton joining Ferrari is the "smartest decision they have ever made."

Villeneuve commented that Briatore's inability to understand the reasoning behind bringing Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari is quite narrow-minded. He pointed out that Ferrari's worth would instantly increase the moment they secure Hamilton's signing.

It's important to view Ferrari not only as a racing team but as an entire enterprise. While their goal is to secure victories, those successes also enhance their car sales and increase Ferrari's overall worth.

"The decision to bring Lewis on board was incredibly valuable, potentially worth millions, making it the smartest move they've ever made."

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"Jacques Villeneuve argues that removing Max Verstappen from the equation wouldn't cause much concern, whereas taking Lewis Hamilton out would draw significant attention."

According to Jacques Villeneuve, if Max Verstappen decided to leave Formula 1, it wouldn't garner much attention from people. However, he argues that Lewis Hamilton retiring would have a more significant impact.

The 1997 Formula 1 world champion compared Verstappen and Hamilton, referring to Hamilton's move to Ferrari as the most significant driver transfer since the legendary Michael Schumacher became part of the Italian team.

Villeneuve claims that Hamilton, who has won the world championship seven times, has redefined the concept of an F1 driver and has attracted a global audience that reaches far beyond the realm of the sport.

According to the Canadian speaking to Action Network, Lewis Hamilton's potential switch to Ferrari is the biggest F1 transfer since Michael Schumacher departed Benetton to join Ferrari.

Regardless of the outcomes of races, Lewis Hamilton is considered the greatest driver ever due to the immense support and fanbase he has garnered.

"He stands out as quite distinctive and one-of-a-kind. He has shattered the traditional expectations. Much depends on him, as he possesses the most prominent persona. His reputation transcends the world of Formula 1, and there are few drivers who share this level of recognition."

"Remove Verstappen from F1, and it won't make much of a difference to people. However, if Hamilton is removed from F1, it will grab people's attention."

"Indeed, this is the most significant acquisition. Ferrari stands as one of the leading global brands, perhaps even the top one. Combining these two elements is truly remarkable."

Briatore Criticized for Remarks on Hamilton

Flavio Briatore was one of the F1 personalities who criticized Ferrari's choice to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton for the 2025 season.

The head of Alpine spoke to Sport.de, saying, "Seeing Lewis in a Ferrari will be unusual. I respect the choice, but I question its logic. Ferrari already had two excellent drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz."

"I'm puzzled as to why they broke up such a fantastic duo. It's not my place to make judgments, but if I were in charge at Ferrari, I wouldn't have agreed to sign Lewis."

"Having Lewis race for Ferrari is generally beneficial for Formula 1. Since what's positive for Formula 1 benefits me as well, this situation is promising. It will likely boost television viewership and ratings. We'll have to wait to see how he performs with Ferrari over time."

However, Villeneuve contended that Hamilton joining Ferrari represents the "smartest decision they've made."

Villeneuve commented on Briatore's narrow perspective, stating that failing to recognize the rationale behind bringing Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari is misguided. He pointed out that Ferrari's worth would instantly increase once Hamilton joined the team.

"Ferrari shouldn't be viewed solely as a racing team. It's an entire enterprise. While their goal is to achieve victories, these triumphs boost their car sales and enhance Ferrari's overall brand value."

"That's the nature of the industry, and bringing Lewis on board was a deal worth millions, making it their most successful decision to date."

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Recent developments at the future Audi Formula 1 team revealed

Alessandro Alunni Bravi set to leave Sauber just before the start of the 2025 F1 season.

Sauber has revealed that Alessandro Alunni Bravi will step down from his roles as Team Representative and Managing Director of their Formula 1 team.

Bravi is set to leave Sauber at the close of January after a seven-year tenure with the Swiss team, where he has held various managerial roles.

The Italian initially became part of the team in 2017, serving as General Counsel and Board Member. He later assumed the role of Managing Director in 2022. As the 2024 season approached, Bravi's responsibilities were broadened, and he was named Team Representative.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Sauber functioned without an officially appointed team principal. However, Bravi took on the role of the unofficial team leader and represented the team in FIA press conferences during race weekends.

His exit is the most recent development for Audi as they prepare for their major debut in Formula 1 next year by acquiring the Sauber team.

Last July, Mattia Binotto, previously the head of Ferrari's F1 team, took on the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber. Meanwhile, Jonathan Wheatley, who was with Red Bull, will step into the position of team principal starting in the 2025 season.

Sauber faced a challenging 2024 season, ending up at the bottom of the constructors' standings with only four points to their name.

For the 2025 season, the team will introduce a new set of drivers, featuring Nico Hulkenberg alongside Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bravi announced his departure from Sauber, stating that he is embarking on a "new adventure" with a different project.

Bravi expressed his feelings, saying, "As I conclude my time with Sauber, it is a period filled with emotions." Reflecting on his experience since joining in 2017, he remarked, "I have witnessed the team's remarkable growth and transformation, surpassing all expectations."

This organization experienced both thrilling and challenging periods, yet it never wavered in its dedication and enthusiasm. I find this truly motivating, and I felt honored to have been the team's spokesperson over the past two years.

As I transition to a different venture, I wish to express my gratitude to Finn Rausing, everyone at Sauber and Audi who believed in me, and all the teammates I've collaborated with over the past eight years. This team is like a family and has a promising future.

Binotto honored Bravi, who is leaving, by calling him "an excellent team collaborator."

"Since starting my tenure in Hinwil, I've had the opportunity to collaborate extensively with Alessandro. I wish to honor him as a genuine team player who has truly represented the spirit of Sauber over the years," Binotto expressed.

Alessandro took on various responsibilities within the team, guiding it through both challenging and thrilling periods. As he embarks on a new journey, the entire company expresses gratitude for his dedication and efforts over the years and extends their best wishes for his future endeavors.

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Sauber, soon to be known as the Audi Formula 1 team, has announced a leadership change with Alessandro Alunni Bravi set to leave the team just before the 2025 F1 season begins.

Sauber has revealed that Alessandro Alunni Bravi will step down from his roles as Team Representative and Managing Director of the Formula 1 team.

Bravi is set to leave Sauber at the close of January after spending seven years with the Swiss team, where he held various management roles.

In 2017, the Italian initially became part of the team as both the General Counsel and a member of the Board. He then advanced to the position of Managing Director in 2022. As the 2024 season approached, Bravi's responsibilities grew further when he was named Team Representative.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Sauber functioned without an official team principal, with Bravi serving as the unofficial leader. He also represented the team during FIA press conferences on race weekends.

Audi is undergoing another shift as they prepare to enter Formula 1 next year, taking control of the Sauber team.

Last July, Mattia Binotto, who previously led Ferrari's Formula 1 team, took on the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber. Meanwhile, Jonathan Wheatley has left Red Bull and will assume the position of team principal starting in the 2025 season.

Sauber had a challenging 2024 season, ending up at the bottom of the constructors' standings with only four points.

For the 2025 season, the team will introduce a new set of drivers: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, the Formula 2 champion.

Bravi announced his departure from Sauber as he embarks on a "new project."

"It's a poignant moment as my time with Sauber comes to a close," Bravi expressed. "Having been part of the team since 2017, I've witnessed its development and transformation in ways that were once unimaginable."

Throughout both thrilling and challenging periods, this organization never wavered in its passion and dedication, a trait I find truly inspiring. I felt honored to have been the spokesperson for the team over the past two years.

As I embark on a new venture, I wish to express my gratitude to Finn Rausing, everyone at Sauber and Audi who believed in me, and all the coworkers I've collaborated with over the past eight years. This team feels like a family and has a promising future.

Binotto honored Bravi, who is leaving, by calling him "a genuine team player."

"Since arriving in Hinwil, I've had the opportunity to work with Alessandro and I would like to honor him. He has been a genuine team collaborator and has personified the spirit of Sauber over the years," Binotto remarked.

Alessandro was involved in various capacities within the team, guiding it through both challenging and exhilarating periods. As he embarks on a new journey, the entire company extends its gratitude for his dedication and efforts throughout the years and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

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Former F1 race engineer for Charles Leclerc secures a new position beyond the racing world.

Cadillac has named Charles Leclerc's ex-Formula One race engineer as the technical director for their LMDh sports car initiative.

Xavier Marcos was employed as Leclerc's race engineer for the Ferrari Formula 1 team from 2019 until the middle of 2024.

The Spaniard began working with Ferrari in 2018, taking on a role focused on engineering at the factory. He later partnered with Leclerc after Leclerc made the move from Sauber to join the team.

Last May, Marcos was substituted before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and Bryan Bozzi stepped in to become Leclerc's new race engineer.

Before becoming a part of Ferrari, Marcos worked as a lead race engineer in NASCAR and had earlier experience in Formula 1 with HRT and subsequently with Williams.

According to Autosport, he is set to transition to sportscar racing in 2025, assuming the newly established position of technical director at Cadillac Racing for their LMDh program.

During their five years of collaboration at Ferrari, Leclerc and 'Xavi' were known for their notable radio communications, such as the well-known response, "we are checking."

Discussing his switch in race engineers that occurred last May, Leclerc disclosed that the choice was made by the team.

"The choice was reached through discussions with the team and Xavi. I assume they had different ideas, and they informed me about it immediately after the Miami event," he stated.

"However, Bryan, who is set to step into Xavi's shoes, is someone I've collaborated with since my tenure at Ferrari began. He's consistently been my performance engineer, which means he's well-versed in all the intricacies of our operations. Therefore, it's not as if I'm beginning from scratch or facing a total adjustment."

"Everything has gone very well so far, and I'm confident it will stay that way, with us reaching full capacity by this weekend. That's all I have to share."

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Cadillac's top pick for the 2026 Formula 1 season has expressed fatigue over ongoing rumors about a potential move. "I've been tempted with the possibility for some time now, and I'm getting a bit weary of the constant speculation…"

Colton Herta has confessed that he is "exhausted" by the ongoing rumors about his possible move from IndyCar to Formula 1.

The name Herta has frequently come up as a potential contender for a spot in the F1 lineup in recent years.

In 2023, an American driver nearly secured a spot with AlphaTauri; however, he lacked sufficient super licence points, leading the team to choose Nyck de Vries instead.

Herta has been strongly associated with Cadillac, which is anticipated to become the 11th team on the F1 grid in 2026.

The 24-year-old is tired of all the rumors surrounding a potential switch to Formula 1.

He expressed feeling as though he's been caught up in this discussion for nearly five years, according to Motorsport Week.

"I've been chasing the same goal for quite some time now. It's getting tiresome, and right now, all I want is to concentrate on driving. My main focus this year is on IndyCar and securing a championship. If any opportunities come up as a result, I'll consider them when the time comes."

"It's not yet certain. All my friends and family are in the US, and I don't know anyone at the potential new location, so it's a significant choice to consider if I end up needing to decide."

At present, Herta possesses 39 super licence points, which is just one point shy of the mandatory 40.

Herta seemed indifferent regarding the status of his super licence and said, "I'll be fine no matter what happens."

He mentioned that he wasn't familiar with the mathematical requirements to obtain a super licence.

"If it comes to pass, that's fantastic, and I'll need to decide if there's still interest in me. If it doesn't work out, then oh well, I'll continue competing in IndyCars. I'll manage just fine regardless."

Cadillac's Choices for 2026

By 2026, Cadillac will have several seasoned drivers available to select from.

Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Kevin Magnussen, and Sergio Perez are anticipated to be present for the upcoming year.

Valtteri Bottas, serving as the reserve driver for Mercedes, is said to have engaged in discussions with Graeme Lowdon, the head of Cadillac.

Zhou and Perez are expected to be strong contenders due to their financial support, especially Perez because of his connections to Latin America.

It appears that Daniel Ricciardo has decided not to come back to Formula 1.

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Why Kimi Antonelli is Behind the Wheel of a 2020 Mercedes F1 Car Today

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is under the mentorship of Mercedes, is set to test drive the team's 2020 Formula 1 car today. Here's the reason behind this opportunity.

Today, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to drive a Mercedes Formula 1 car once again, this time piloting the model from their 2020 season.

Mercedes has arranged additional driving time for the 18-year-old newcomer before his first F1 season. Antonelli will be behind the wheel of the Silver Arrows' W11, the car that secured both world championships in the 2020 season.

Lewis Hamilton drove this car to clinch his seventh drivers’ world championship, matching the record, and it stands as his latest Formula 1 world title.

Antonelli, who is stepping in for Hamilton, has participated in an intensive testing schedule in preparation for his debut F1 season. He has had the opportunity to drive various Mercedes vehicles, including their 2021 and 2022 models, during sessions held last year.

The Italian driver took the wheel of Mercedes' 2024 vehicle for the first time during a practice session at Monza, and he had another opportunity to test it out during the post-season trials in Abu Dhabi last month.

For Antonelli's most recent race in Jerez, Spain, Mercedes has decided to let him drive a significantly older car from the time before ground effect regulations were implemented.

This choice stems from a recent change in Formula 1's rules concerning 'Testing Previous Cars,' commonly referred to as TPC testing.

In the past, there were no limits on the distance that Formula 1 teams could cover using cars that were at least two years old.

The rules have been adjusted for 2025 following Max Verstappen's test of Red Bull's 2022 vehicle at Imola, prior to last year's Spanish Grand Prix, as the team aimed to address shortcomings in their RB20.

Formula 1 teams are now restricted to a maximum of 20 days annually for Testing and Practice Commitments (TPC), with current drivers allowed to cover only up to 1000 kilometers during these sessions.

Although Mercedes could have theoretically conducted Antonelli's run using a 2023 vehicle under the TPC regulations, they intentionally decided not to in order to preserve essential testing time.

Antonelli's drive will be formally categorized under the Testing of Historic Cars (THC) designation. This category is intended for vehicles that are built to meet the Technical Regulations from any of the three years right before the year leading up to the championship year.

Choosing this path will help Mercedes TPC preserve time to utilize later in the year while also giving Formula 2 graduate Antonelli an opportunity to get re-familiarized with F1 vehicles after the winter pause.

Haas is actively participating as well. The American team is conducting their inaugural TPC test program in Jerez.

On Wednesday, Oliver Bearman will be behind the wheel of the 2023 Haas, while his teammate, Esteban Ocon, is set to take the driver's seat on Thursday.

Toyota's young driver, Ritomo Miyata, is set to have some time behind the wheel of the Haas VF-23 at the conclusion of each day.

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Unreleased video reveals crucial insights from Carlos Sainz to Williams

Carlos Sainz begins his journey with the new Formula 1 team…

Williams is already gaining advantages from Carlos Sainz's input after his initial appearance with the team towards the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season.

Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sainz got the chance to test drive Williams' 2024 car model on a filming day.

In a video uploaded to Williams' YouTube channel, Sainz took his initial laps driving the FW46.

Before taking his first laps in the car, Sainz asked his engineers to insert additional padding into the cockpit to enhance his comfort.

Upon returning to the garage, Sainz talked over some adjustments to the setup with his engineering team in preparation for the full day of activities during the official post-season test.

During his initial drive, he had the opportunity to try out different controls on the Williams steering wheel, such as the "pit confirm" button, which notifies his team of his entry into the pit lane.

The conversation took an interesting turn when his engineer commented, "Doesn't this feel like the first day at school?"

Sainz responded by saying, "It's a totally different vehicle. It's unbelievable! Even the accelerator feels different. You can sense more through the steering wheel here."

Sainz's crucial insights

After completing several additional laps, Sainz shared intriguing observations with the Williams team.

The Spanish driver has gained recognition as one of the hardest-working competitors in the racing circuit, known for his insightful feedback and his talent for enhancing team performance.

Additional setup modifications were made based on the input provided by Sainz.

The ex-Ferrari driver commented, “I want to examine closely with you the front and rear tire slips during my lap and the differential's wheel separation, particularly when I accelerate again.”

An engineer responded by saying, "That's an intriguing observation," and then Sainz mentioned, "I think there's a slight lag in how fast it should shut."

Sainz received information that the holdup was due to another racer, Franco Colapinto.

Sainz replied by saying, "When you have the data available, share it with me, and I’ll let you know if I believe it's excessive or insufficient. For now, let's concentrate on the rear and front slips this evening, and we will differentiate the profile."

"I want the data to reflect what I'm experiencing in the car because if it does, I believe I can significantly assist in making precise adjustments. We're focusing on fine-tuning here. The recent adjustments have been effective for me. Using Franco's tools, we're able to brake later, which is great."

Sainz is optimistic that Williams will improve their performance during the winter break, following their drop to ninth place in the Formula 1 constructors' standings.

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2025 Formula 1 Reserve Drivers: Each Team's Standby Lineup

Here are the drivers set to step in for each Formula 1 team for the 2025 season.

Each Formula 1 team has a minimum of one backup driver available for use throughout the season.

Although ideally reserve drivers won't be required on the track, they are crucial for F1 teams as a contingency. They must be ready to step in for a regular driver, often with minimal warning.

In addition to being present at nearly all, if not every, grand prix throughout the racing season, reserve drivers are also responsible for tasks like working with simulators, participating in tests, and attending key engineering meetings.

Below is an overview of the reserve driver choices available for each team in 2025.

McLaren

To Be Confirmed

McLaren has not revealed their reserve driver roster yet, but it is expected that Pato O’Ward, who served in the role last year, will likely remain in the position.

Due to their partnership with Mercedes for engines, McLaren could also access the reserve drivers from the Silver Arrows team if needed.

Title: Ferrari

To Be Confirmed

As Oliver Bearman, the standout substitute from 2024, secures a regular position with Haas this season, Ferrari is in search of another option to support Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc this year.

Following his departure from Sauber, Zhou Guanyu has been associated with the position, although there has been no formal confirmation yet.

Ferrari's roster includes Antonio Giovinazzi and Arthur Leclerc, who is the sibling of Charles Leclerc.

Red Bull

To Be Confirmed

Similar to Ferrari, Red Bull has seen their previous reserve drivers move on to full-time Formula 1 roles, and they have not yet announced their future strategies.

Liam Lawson will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull, as Isack Hadjar moves into Formula 1 to fill the position Lawson left at Racing Bulls.

Red Bull might consider promoting one of their younger drivers, like Ayumu Iwasa or the recently joined Formula 2 competitor Pepe Marti. Another option for them would be to recruit someone not currently within their group of drivers to take on the role.

Mercedes Team

Driver: Valtteri Bottas

After being sidelined from Formula 1 for the 2025 season, Valtteri Bottas has made a comeback to Mercedes, taking on the role of their new reserve driver.

The Finn, aged 35, who has achieved victory in ten grand prix races, would be a reliable choice to drive if George Russell or Andrea Kimi Antonelli were unable to participate in a race weekend.

Valtteri Bottas has taken over the position previously held by Mick Schumacher.

Aston Martin

Felipe Drugovich

Aston Martin has revealed that Felipe Drugovich will continue as the team's test and reserve driver for the 2025 season.

The Brazilian driver has been linked with the team based in Silverstone ever since he clinched the F2 championship in 2022.

During this period, Drugovich has been involved in five FP1 sessions and has also joined the post-season test three times.

Stoffel Vandoorne

Aston Martin has the option to rely on ex-McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

Vandoorne joins Drugovich in assisting Aston Martin with responsibilities both at the racetrack and in the simulator.

This year, the two individuals will keep dividing the responsibilities of the role.

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

After making an impressive debut in his Formula 1 career with Williams, stepping in for Logan Sargeant, Franco Colapinto has been contracted by Alpine to serve as one of their reserve drivers in 2025.

If Jack Doohan doesn't deliver strong performances in the initial races of his debut season, the 21-year-old Argentine could find himself driving one of Alpine's cars sooner rather than later.

Ryo Hirakawa's Name

Japanese driver Ryo Hirawaka unexpectedly transitioned from McLaren to Alpine, taking on the role of a test and reserve driver. He participated in the end-of-season Formula 1 test in Abu Dhabi, representing both McLaren and Haas.

Aron Paul

Alpine has included Paul Aron, a leading F2 competitor and junior driver, among their reserve driver lineup, providing them with three potential choices. At 20 years old, the Estonian secured third place in the 2024 F2 championship, with one race victory to his name.

Haas

To Be Confirmed

Haas has not yet announced who will be their reserve driver for the 2025 season. Pietro Fittipaldi has held this position for a number of years. He stepped in on two occasions, taking over for Romain Grosjean in the last two races of the 2020 Formula 1 season while the French driver was recuperating from injuries he suffered in a major fiery crash.

Title: Competing Cattle

Details Pending

Red Bull has not yet determined who will serve as the backup driver for their main team and the affiliated team.

Williams

To Be Confirmed

Williams is seeking a new backup driver following Colapinto's move to Alpine. Similar to McLaren, they have the option to seek assistance from Mercedes.

The British team has multiple choices from their driver academy, one of which is Formula 2 driver Luke Browning.

Clean

To Be Confirmed

Sauber is currently on the lookout for backup drivers for the 2025 season. Theo Pourchaire, who was in this position before, has recently departed from the team, as did another young driver, Zane Maloney.

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