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    Formula 1 Driver Market Shakeup: Verstappen & Perez Secure Red Bull, Hamilton Joins Ferrari for 2025

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    Formula 1 Driver Market Takes Shape for 2025

    As we delve into the second half of the 2024 Formula 1 season, attention is already shifting to the 2025 campaign, with several crucial developments unfolding in the driver market. Key announcements have been made, shaking up the grid and leaving others hanging in the balance. Let’s assess the confirmed lineups, looming decisions, and potential upheaval for the upcoming season.

    Red Bull Racing

    • Max Verstappen (#1) sealed a long-term deal through to the end of 2028, although speculative murmurs of a move to Mercedes have been tempered by Verstappen’s stance.
    • Sergio Perez (#11), enjoying a contract extension up until 2026, has expressed an aspirational goal to conclude his Formula 1 career with Red Bull. Having worked in tandem since 2021, Perez and Verstappen will embark on a crucial partnership in 2025 for a fifth season.

    Ferrari

    • Charles Leclerc (#16) secured a contract renewal taking him through several more seasons as a Ferrari driver since first joining in 2019, bolstering his commitment to the Scuderia outfit.
    • Lewis Hamilton (#44)’s seismic career-altering move to Ferrari surprised both the paddock and wider media circles. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion will leave long-term partner Mercedes behind after confirming a switch to Ferrari at the commencement of the 2025 season to step into Carlos Sainz’ currently vacant seat.

    McLaren Racing

    Mercedes-Benz GP

    • George Russell (#63)’s two-year renewal agreement, signed in August 2023, locks him in up through the end of 2025 and fourth season with the Silver Arrow stable.
    • Lewis Hamilton previously agreeing to a similar deal also didn’t prevent him opting-out of the contract to join forces at Ferrari. As to George Russell‘s 2025 colleague remains unannounced among high-stakes speculation which had included F2 driver and strong prospect, Kimi Antonelli.

    Aston Martin Formula 1

    • Fernando Alonso officially onboarded for two more F1 seasons, with Lance Stroll‘s retention as colleague at the British outfit widely conjectured.

    Red Bull Racing Junior Programme/Scuderia Toro Rosso

    • Yuki Tsunoda set to embark upon fifth season in Formula One on the back of Scuderia Toro Rosso’ association with Red Bull Racing since inception.

    Haas

    • The door remains open but with uncertainty surrounding Ollie Bearman‘s potential debut amidst participation in six FP1 test sessions for Haas’ racing division in 2024 – A question mark hangs high atop whether he will secure his rightful spot on the 2025 race grid.

    Alpine-Renault

    • After joining forces with Alpine in January of this year, Pierre Gasly‘s position remains uncertain although expectations point towards his being named to the 2025 stable too.

    Williams Racing

    • Alex Albon having “exceptional talent” as pointed to in an assessment by Williams supremo, James Vowles, undercuts a strong case amid internal debate for his retention over rival driver options.

    Alfa Romeo F1 Team/ORlen

    • Nico Huelkeneberg‘s team, under the Kick Sauber’ partnership, still lacks identification in regards to his 2025 accomplice.

    As the Formula One campaign enters its final stretch before curtain fall on 2024’s campaign, there’s still abundant unfinished business in the driver talent scouting space.

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