Who Will Fill the Vacant Seats? Analyzing the 2025 F1 Driver Line-Up Shake-Up

Who is set to succeed Lewis Hamilton? Four openings in the 2025 F1 roster are available…

We evaluate the open positions in the 2025 F1 driver lineup.

Only four spots are left open in the F1 2025 driver roster after Carlos Sainz chose to join Williams.

Mercedes holds the strongest position in the driver lineup, as the German carmaker has not yet announced who will be stepping in for Lewis Hamilton, who is moving to Ferrari next season to take over from Sainz.

The sister team of Red Bull, RB, as well as other midfield competitors Alpine and Sauber, must determine who will occupy their last available spots for the 2025 season.

We have compiled an update on the latest developments in the driver market…

Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is widely expected to fill the position that will be left open by seven-time world champion Hamilton at the conclusion of this year.

The young Italian prodigy has been the frontrunner to team up with George Russell for the next season, especially after Mercedes passed over more seasoned drivers like Sainz.

Antonelli faced challenges at the beginning of his first F2 season, but has recently shown significant improvement, securing wins in both the sprint and feature races at Silverstone and Budapest.

Italian reports suggest that Mercedes intends to reveal at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza later this month that the 17-year-old will advance to F1 in 2025.

Damon Hill suggested that he believes the individual is beginning to exhibit the remarkable talent that others frequently mention.

"When commentators start expressing their amazement, saying things like 'did you see that? That was really impressive,' it's a clear sign that he's beginning to mature and demonstrate the skill and talent we've all been hearing about."

“Certainly believe that he should be given another half season or so…”

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

The 22-year-old New Zealander has already debuted in Formula 1, making a strong impression in five appearances for the Faenza team last year, stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.

After being compelled to sit out the 2023 season, he is eager to obtain a permanent position for the next year.

As Sergio Perez's position with Red Bull seems secure until the season concludes, it looks like Lawson's prime opportunity will be with RB.

If Red Bull decides to elevate Lawson to a main driver position, they would have to replace either Perez or Ricciardo, as Yuki Tsunoda has already secured a contract extension for the upcoming year.

Ricciardo has the remainder of this season to fight for his position.

Before it was officially announced that Ricciardo would remain with RB for the latter half of this year, he discussed how unpredictable the driver market can be.

"The storyline shifts every race or so," he mentioned.

“This is the nature of our sport. Events unfold rapidly.

"In times like these, it's important to concentrate on oneself, maximize personal effort, and let circumstances unfold as they may. My strategy remains the same."

Jack Doohan seems to be the leading candidate to take over from Esteban Ocon, who is set to join Haas.

According to Autosport, reserve driver Doohan, whose father is the five-time 500cc world champion Mick, is close to securing an agreement to race alongside Pierre Gasly in the upcoming season.

Following a rejection from Sainz, Alpine is reportedly considering giving 21-year-old Doohan, who has been in the French manufacturer's young driver program since 2022, his first opportunity to race in Formula 1.

Lawrence Barretto of F1.com reported that the Enstone team holds him in high regard, praising his speed and popularity within the group. Alpine is eager to demonstrate that their Driver Academy can truly lead to top-tier success.

Hill remarked regarding Doohan, "Jack is an extremely skilled driver who performed admirably."

"He has demonstrated his racing abilities. He is intelligent and curious. He appears to be actively engaging, asking numerous questions and collaborating closely with the team."

"He will certainly be an intriguing candidate to test. Unlike Ollie Bearman, who has already participated in a race and established some credibility in Formula 1, he has yet to prove himself. Nevertheless, many of these individuals have the potential."

"They are so thoroughly prepared that they will have no issues when they enter Formula 1."

Sauber

A closer look at the personal side of Valtteri Bottas. An enjoyable conversation covering his interests outside of #F1, his preferred indulgent meal, and a mutual appreciation for coffee ☕️https://t.co/vpMgIlTWwP— Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) August 12, 2024

A closer look at the personal side of Valtteri Bottas. An enjoyable conversation covering his interests outside of #F1, his preferred indulgent meal, and a mutual appreciation for coffee ☕️https://t.co/vpMgIlTWwP

After failing to secure their top pick, Sainz, Sauber’s choices for a teammate to join their new recruit, Nico Hulkenberg, have significantly decreased.

Either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu might keep their current position, though the Swiss team might consider other options if they feel a total revamp is necessary.

Sauber is reportedly interested in Lawson and may wait to see Red Bull's decision before making a move, in case he becomes available.

Kevin Magnussen has become a free agent after Ocon took over his position for the 2025 season, making him a possible option for other teams. There's a chance he might team up with Hulkenberg again at Sauber, despite it seeming improbable.

The impact that former Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto will have on Sauber’s choice of drivers is yet to be determined, as the team looks ahead to 2026 when their collaboration with Audi begins.

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