The 2025 season might be months away, but some teams already have an idea of what their lineup would be like, while others are waiting for the current season to end before making their final decision. It’s also the same for drivers, with some of them already certain of where they would be starting next year, while some others are not even sure they would be racing in F1 in the new season.
Ferrari would be getting a new driver in the person of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will be ending his long stay with Mercedes this season. Hamilton will join Charles Leclerc behind the wheels for Ferrari in a multi-year contract. News of Hamilton joining Ferrari was announced before the 2024 season began, and it caught a lot of fans unaware, many of whom expected the British driver to end his racing career with Mercedes.
Hamilton moving to Ferrari means Carlos Sainz will leave the team, and it’s been confirmed he would be joining Alex Albon at Williams. Also, there is no confirmed replacement for Mercedes at the moment, meaning only George Russell is certain of resuming with the German team next season.
Max Verstappen will continue his career with Red Bull next season, after he overcomes his toughest season yet. The Dutchman looked set to win a fourth-straight world championship title this season, but he’s been facing stiff competition, and while he still retains the lead, there’s no assurance, as of now, that he would be clinching the title.
Still, Verstappen is in a better position than teammate Sergio Perez, whose position with the team is unsure. Although Perez signed a new contract with Red Bull back in June, there are rumors that he could be let go at the end of the season as he has not been able to deliver so far. Part of the problem is that Perez has failed to step up in moments when Verstappen has had challenges.
On the McLaren front, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be continuing their run with the team next year. The duo are currently having a good season as McLaren is less than 100 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, while Norris maintains second place behind Verstappen.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will lead the way with Aston Martin next season. Oliver Bearman will make his F1 full-season debut next season with Haas alongside veteran Esteban Ocon, who leaves Alpine at the end of the season.
Taking Esteban’s place at Alpine is Pierre Gasly, as the only driver that’s been confirmed for now. Nico Hulkenberg leaves Haas at the end of this season to join Stake F1 while Yuki Tsunoda retains his spot with RB.
