Race for the Future: The Hunt to Fill F1’s Coveted 2025 Seats

Who's stepping into Lewis Hamilton's shoes? Four F1 2025 positions available…

Evaluating the open spots in the 2025 F1 racing roster

Only four spots are left available in the Formula 1 2025 driver roster after Carlos Sainz announced his switch to Williams.

Mercedes has the most coveted driver spot open, as the German car maker has not yet announced who will fill the vacancy left by Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari next season, taking over Sainz's position.

Red Bull's affiliate team RB, alongside midfield competitors Alpine and Sauber, must also make a decision on who will occupy their single remaining open spots for the 2025 season.

We've compiled an update on the current situation within the driver market…

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is highly favored to occupy the spot left by seven-time world champion Hamilton upon his departure at year's end.

The young Italian prodigy has consistently been considered the top choice to join George Russell in the upcoming season. This was suggested when Mercedes opted not to go with other seasoned drivers like Sainz.

Antonelli faced challenges in the initial phase of his first F2 season, yet he has recently shown remarkable performance, securing wins in both the sprint and feature races at Silverstone and Budapest.

Italian media outlets are suggesting that Mercedes is set to reveal a 17-year-old's advancement to Formula 1 by 2025 during the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

"Damon Hill mentioned, "It appears he's demonstrating the exceptional talent everyone keeps mentioning."

"When those shivers of excitement come from commentators exclaiming, 'Did you catch that? That was quite remarkable.' That's when you understand he's beginning to come into his own, displaying the prowess and skill we've all been told about."

"Certainly, I believe, allow him another six months or so…"

Red Bull is poised to make a decision in September on whether their reserve driver, Liam Lawson, will secure a full-time Formula 1 seat for the 2025 season.

At 22 years of age, the New Zealander made his first Formula 1 appearance, turning heads with five notable performances for the Faenza team last year, stepping in for the sidelined Daniel Ricciardo.

After spending the entire 2023 season out of action, he is eagerly seeking a permanent position for the upcoming year.

It seems that with Sergio Perez's position at Red Bull secured until the season's conclusion, Lawson's prime opportunity will likely emerge at RB.

If Red Bull decides to elevate Lawson, they will have to create space in their driver lineup since Yuki Tsunoda has secured a contract renewal for the upcoming season, meaning either Perez or Ricciardo would have to leave.

Ricciardo must fight through the remainder of this season to secure his spot.

Before his continued partnership with RB for the latter half of this year was made official, Ricciardo revealed insights into the erratic nature of the driver market.

"The story shifts every one or two races," he stated.

"In the nature of our game, events unfold at a rapid pace."

"In situations like these, it's essential to concentrate on oneself, make the most of the opportunity, and let the outcome unfold naturally. My strategy remains unchanged."

Alpine

It seems that Jack Doohan is the frontrunner to fill the spot left by the departing Esteban Ocon, who is on his way to Haas.

Autosport has announced that Doohan, the reserve driver and offspring of Mick, the legendary five-time 500cc world champion, is close to finalizing an agreement to compete with Pierre Gasly in the upcoming season.

Following Sainz's rejection, it is believed that Alpine is inclined to give 21-year-old Doohan, a member of the French company's junior driver scheme since 2022, his first opportunity to compete in F1.

"Lawrence Barretto of F1.com has noted that the Enstone team holds him in high regard for his speed and likability. Alpine is eager to showcase that their Driver Academy offers a real route to the pinnacle of success."

Hill commented on Doohan: "Jack is an extremely proficient driver. He conducted himself admirably."

"He has demonstrated his ability to compete. His intelligence and curiosity are apparent. It looks like he’s always there, engaging with the team and laying the foundation through his inquiries."

"He's certainly going to be a fascinating individual to offer an opportunity to. He hasn't yet demonstrated his abilities in F1, unlike Ollie Bearman who has taken to the track and participated in a race. Many of these individuals are talented.

"They've made such thorough preparations that transitioning into F1 should be seamless for them."

Sauber

A closer look at the man behind the racer, Valtteri Bottas. Engaging conversation exploring his interests outside of #F1, his top 'guilty pleasure' food, and their mutual appreciation for coffee ☕️ https://t.co/vpMgIlTWwP— Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) August 12, 2024

Diving into the life of Valtteri Bottas beyond the track. An engaging discussion on his leisure activities, preferred indulgent snack, and a shared passion for coffee ☕️https://t.co/vpMgIlTWwP

After failing to secure their top candidate Sainz, Sauber finds their choices for a teammate to pair with the newly acquired Nico Hulkenberg have significantly narrowed.

Either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu might keep their current position, but the team from Switzerland might consider other options if they think a total revamp is necessary.

Sauber is reportedly interested in acquiring Lawson and may hold off on a decision to observe Red Bull's actions, in the event he becomes an option.

With Ocon taking over his spot for the 2025 season, Kevin Magnussen is now on the market and might be considered an option. Is there a chance for an unexpected comeback with Hulkenberg at Sauber?

The impact that Mattia Binotto, the ex-Ferrari chief, will have on Sauber's choice of drivers after joining the team at Hinwil is still uncertain, especially as the team is closely considering its future, particularly the start of their collaboration with Audi in 2026.

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