Before the season started, we saw the news that Williams had re-signed Logan Sargeant. This meant that, for the first time ever in Formula One’s history, the grid remained the same from the previous year.
There were also changes to DRS. The new regulations allowed it to be activated after just one lap after the start of the race, or one lap after a safety car restart.
Next, we said goodbye to the Haas Team Principal, Guenther Steiner. He left the team to be replaced by Ayao Komatsu. He has left the fans with everlasting memories of his witty humour. However, he has since made his return to the paddock as a pundit for German broadcaster RTL. He is also the new Miami Grand Prix ambassador.
Then, a massive shockwave hit the world of F1 on February 1st 2024. The news broke of Sir Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. This left Carlos Sainz, the only non-Red Bull grand prix winner from the 2023 season and this season so far, without a seat.
Rumours have been flying left, right, and centre about what will be happening with the grid for 2025. So far, we have the full line up for McLaren, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. We then had the recent announcement from Fernando Alonso that he was staying with Aston Martin. Max Verstappen and George Russell are the only other confirmed drivers with a seat for the 2025 season.
The biggest rumours have concerned the Mercedes seat. Gossip has circulated about F2 rookie, Andrea Kimi Antonelli taking the seat alongside Russell. Although, he may need to go into a Williams seat first.
Carlos Sainz is another option for the open seat with the Brackley-based outfit. The rumours speculate that Sainz has been offered a one year deal with the potential of a one year extension (1+1) with Mercedes. But Sainz is after a two year deal. Sainz will want a longer contract to assess the situation with Audi, who are taking over Sauber for 2026, before potentially joining them. However, Mercedes will not want to block the seat for too long, hoping to bring on Kimi Antonelli as soon as possible.
News stories were shared about the oldest driver on the grid, Alonso joining Mercedes. However, with his news of re-signing with Aston Martin, we await to see who will follow in Lewis Hamilton’s footsteps at Mercedes.
With 12 seats open next year, the likelihood of having new talent is high. We have seen the likes of British F2 driver, Ollie Bearman take the reins of Sainz’s car in Saudi Arabia. Sainz had to take time off for an appendectomy. With a finish of P6, it is highly likely that Bearman will be promoted to Formula One soon, if not next year. The F1 community speculates that Bearman could end up in a Haas seat in 2025. They have a link with Ferrari, where Bearman is currently a reserve driver.
Written by Chloe.
Featured Image Credit: @F1 on Twitter
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