After a vibrant 2022 Silly Season of Formula 1 musical chairs, there are no driver changes for the start of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship season but 14 of the current drivers on the grid are out of contract at the end of 2024.
Thus F1 can expect a flurry of driver changes at the end of this season, as several journeymen are likely to be sent packing, while a driver or two team swap might be on the cards too. Whatever the case, 14 deals need to be inked and extended in the coming months.
F1 drivers out of contract this year are:
Sergio Perez will need to convince Red Bull that he is the best driver to partner their triple F1 World Champion. There have been calls for a driver change as the Mexican was thoroughly outclassed in this year's title race by his teammate. Checo also has Daniel Ricciardo primed to step up and replace him should he not find true form, fast.
The oldest man on the grid, Fernando Alonso (42) will be looking to renew his contract with Aston Martin which Lawrence Sroll's team is keen to do. This one seems to be a formality unless, of course, the Spaniard engineers a surprise move. Unlikely, but never say never.
Both Ferrari drivers are out of contract in 2024 while Audi build-up for 2026
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are both expected to extend with Ferrari, and both are keen to get it all sorted before the season starts while their boss is in no rush. Both drivers are reportedly being considered to be part of the Audi F1 project that will break cover at Sauber in a couple of years.
Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg are treading water with Haas. Neither are getting any better than they were when they first burst on the scene. Hard to imagine both keeping their seats but experience will probably save one of them.
At AlphaTauri (or whatever they call it next) both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have extensions to sign. The Australian veteran makes it clear he wants a shot at Red Bull again but has yet to convince he is the HoneyBadger of old, while the Japanese youngster could be out of a drive when Honda and Red Bull part ways once and for all.
With Stake F1 Team a filler until 2026 when Audi and Sauber merge, Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou will be looking to stay on at Hinwill. The Finn could cite his experience at Mercedes as handy 'data' to bring to the party. The Chinese driver on the other hand has been underwhelming, with little improvement for a driver whose generational benchmark is Max Verstappen.
The Silly Season should be interesting this year
Logan Sargeant can count himself lucky to be on the grid this year after a woeful rookie season in the top flight. Williams continues with him and Alex Albon. The American has a lot of convincing to do to last the season let alone look for a deal in 2025, while his Thai teammate may well be on other team's radar.
Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly need to renew their respective contracts. Both drivers have not lived up to expectations. Journeymen with occasional flashes of brilliance best describe the two French drivers. They will be lucky to be retained at an outfit brimming with junior drivers ready to step up.
Drivers not concerned about where they will race in 2025 include F1 World Champion Max Verstappen, and both Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Ditto the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri; and of course Lance Stroll who drives for his father's team.
Whatever happens, F1 teams have their own ideas when it comes to drivers. Sargeant being retained at Williams is one of those inexplicable decisions, but it seems inevitable that there will be changes to F1 driver line-ups by this time next year. Between now and then we will kee you posted.
Big Question: What F1 drivers deserve contract renewals in 2024?
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