In the world of Formula 1, predicting the driver lineup for the 2025 season isn’t as simple as it seems. The rumor mill is buzzing with speculations, and only two seats remain unfilled.
Sauber and Visa Cash App RB each have one spot left. Sauber’s new management has confirmed Nico Hulkenberg, but his teammate is still a mystery. At Red Bull, Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda are locked in for 2025, and Liam Lawson appears to be secure too. However, Sergio Perez‘s future with the team is uncertain.
Audi’s Search for Drivers
Audi is on the hunt for drivers for its F1 project. They’ve already signed Nico Hulkenberg, a seasoned racer from Germany. Audi wanted another experienced driver, but other teams snapped up their options. Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon chose different paths, and Yuki Tsunoda stayed with Red Bull after they extended his contract.
With Sauber struggling at the back of the grid and management changes making things shaky, Audi’s choices aren’t looking great. Now they’re eyeing Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto. Bottas has agreed on contract terms, yet Audi hesitates because he’s not their first pick. Young talent might be more appealing given Sauber’s current position.
Rumors say Bortoleto is already involved with Audi, according to Brazilian media. McLaren is open to lending him since he’s just starting in Formula 2.
Red Bull’s Dilemma: Perez’s Future
Red Bull has contracts with Verstappen, Perez, and Tsunoda for 2025. Lawson seems set too, suggesting a full lineup. Yet doubts surround Perez’s future; he might leave by late 2024 or sooner.
If Perez exits, a seat opens at Red Bull. Initially, you’d think of promoting from within their Junior Team where Isack Hadjar shines—he’s second in F2 standings with a shot at the title! But surprisingly, Hadjar isn’t top of their list.
Instead, Franco Colapinto enters discussions as a potential replacement for Perez. Some say Red Bull could leapfrog Tsunoda and Lawson to bring in Colapinto after his strong performances at Williams recently—but is he ready for such a big step?
Fans might wonder if Colapinto can handle the pressure of joining such an elite team so soon!
Choosing Colapinto means delaying Hadjar’s promotion—perhaps sending him to Super Formula like past juniors did. Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad waits in line to join F2 in 2025; Red Bull certainly has options galore for 2026.
What do you think about these potential changes?
