With the Formula 1 2024 season approaching thick and fast, so is the time for drivers and teams to start thinking about the future. At the end of 2024, 13 drivers on the grid are due to either re-negotiate with their current teams or start looking elsewhere amongst the paddock. And with Lewis Hamilton setting the driver market ablaze with a shocking move to Ferrari in 2025, how does this impact teams and drivers in making their decisions going forward?
It makes decisions even more critical now that there are two seats, two of the most prestigious seats in Formula 1 currently that any driver would crave to drive for. But what teams? Red Bull and Mercedes…
Red Bull Racing
At the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull is said to end, leaving Red Bull in search of another raging bull on the grid. But who will that be? The initial rumour was that Lando Norris would line up alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen. However, Norris expressed his loyalty towards McLaren and signed a ‘Multi-Year Deal’ with the team from Woking. So, who is available for the team from Milton Keynes to sign?
Out of the 13 drivers on the grid, the definitive choice for Red Bull would be to resign their favourite Australian, the honey badger himself, Daniel Ricciardo. As their reserve driver and still held with high regard to the Red Bull team, Ricciardo will have much to prove this year in the newly founded team of Visa Cash App RB to demonstrate his worth of driving for Red Bull again.
Will Red Bull Retain Sergio Perez for 2025?
Sergio Perez has shown to be a formidable force during his time at Red Bull. However, retirements and driver errors halfway through the 2023 season would say otherwise. Although the ‘Mexican Minister of Defence’ as he has been crowned by commentators and fans, has finished second in the drivers’ championship, Perez finished 295 points behind his younger and hungrier teammate Max Verstappen.
Such errors can be corrected by Perez himself but to compete on the same level as Max Verstappen would be a challenge for the Mexican. So, if Red Bull were to keep Sergio Perez, he would need to hone on his experiences and learn from his mistakes that cost the team not only points but potential race wins.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM
With Lewis Hamilton breaking the news headlines and setting social media alight, his move to Ferrari in 2025 has left a vacant seat with the team from Brackley. Ever since Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes in 2013, which people doubted his decision has become a decision where not only Hamilton has achieved success but also legendary status, achieving six world championships and surpassing over 100 race wins.
So, the seat available in the driver market not only comes with weight but also expectation, the expectation of not only achieving race wins but the endeavour to win future world championships.
So, who is worthy of one of the hottest seats right now?
Who Will Mercedes Sign in 2025?
Currently there are no drivers that are currently in the market for Mercedes, however there is speculation as to some potential drivers could be looking to move to the Silver Arrows given the nature of their current contract expiring at the end of 2024.
One of which is the two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who is yet to contact Mercedes in regards to a potential drive. According to BBC Sport, Fernando Alonso “is under consideration by the former world champions for Hamilton’s seat next year” displaying a unique position currently at the moment as the Spaniard is looking very favourable to a lot of teams.
Although if Fernando was to look at another seat on the grid, the first discussion he would have would be to Aston Martin before setting eyes elsewhere amongst the paddock. Even though, Alonso has not denied anything in regards to the rumours.
Conclusion
With the 2024 season fast approaching, it’s difficult not to look over the horizon to 2025 and see what teams and drivers will do to secure their future for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Will Red Bull look to keep Sergio Perez after his contract expires or will the team from Milton Keynes be already searching elsewhere? The same can be said for Mercedes. Who will now take up the mantle now that the seven-time world champion has moved to the scarlet red team?
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1, then why not check out “Aston Martin: The Ambition to Reach the Top in 2024” or “Speed into the Future: The Formula 1 Tracks of 2030 and Beyond”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool