F1 2025 Driver Lineup: Big names on the move as half the grid reshuffles for next season

One more domino chip has fallen in the Formula 1 driver market, as Sauber confirmed the signing of Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season and beyond.

The team are set to become Audi in 2026, and have now confirmed their driver partnership for their new era.

Elsewhere, Mercedes put an end to the speculation surrounding their driver lineup for next season earlier this year, confirming Antonelli as a new addition to the team. He will join forces with George Russell, while Hamilton is set to make the move to Ferrari.

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Carlos Sainz has recently decided to join Williams Racing for the upcoming season, replacing Logan Sargeant and forming a new partnership with Alexander Albon.

Doohan will step up from reserve to a full-time seat at Alpine, replacing the departing Esteban Ocon and partnering with Pierre Gasly who recently inked a contract extension.

Oliver Bearman has also landed a multi-year deal with Haas, securing his full-time F1 debut next season.

Now, let's dive into each team's driver pairings and contract situations.

F1 Driver Lineup

Here's a rundown of who will be racing where in 2025:

Red Bull: Max Verstappen's contract extends until 2028, making him the immovable rock at Red Bull. His team-mate Sergio Perez has also recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2026.

Mercedes: Of course, losing Hamilton is a huge blow for the Silver Arrows, but Antonelli's arrival offers exciting possibilities. The young talent could seamlessly transition into the Brackley-based squad alongside Russell, who recently inked a contract extension until the end of the 2025 season.

Ferrari: Signing Hamilton shows the Scuderia are going all-in on fighting for the championship. Leclerc's recent contract extension brings stability to the team, while Hamilton's skills and experience could be the key ingredients for victory.

McLaren: Both Lando Norris and young gun Oscar Piastri are locked in for 2025 after inking multi-year extensions through the end of the 2026 season.

Aston Martin: Lance Stroll's position in the team is secure after the announcement of a new deal that will see him remain until 2025 and beyond, while Alonso has also signed a contract extension with the team until the end of 2026, ending speculation that he could join rival teams.

Alpine: Esteban Ocon will depart the team at the end of this season to join Haas in 2025, with Jack Doohan filling his seat. The French team also secured Pierre Gasly's services with a fresh multi-year deal that will see him stay with the team until 2025 and beyond.

Haas: The American team confirmed some movement in their driver lineup, with Nico Hulkenberg departing at the end of this season to join Stake F1 in 2025.

Kevin Magnussen will also leave the team, with Ocon taking his place next year.

The Frenchman will be joined by F2 driver Oliver Bearman, who is set to graduate to a full-time race seat with Haas in 2025 on a multi-year deal.

Stake F1 Team: With Hulkenberg confirmed for the current Sauber-owned team for 2025 quite early on in the season, speculation swirled around who might join him.

In November, however, the team announced that they would be axing both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, and replacing them with Hulkenberg and 20-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto.

Visa Cash App RB: Yuki Tsunoda has secured his spot on the grid in 2025, but Daniel Ricciardo was axed for Liam Lawson towards the end of 2024.

While it seems pretty clear that Ricciardo won't be on the grid in 2025, Lawson has not yet been officially confirmed as VCARB's second driver for next season.

Williams: The Grove-based squad have secured Sainz's services next season, replacing Sergeant and teaming up with Albon, who recently signed a long-term contract extension.

READ MORE: F1 Schedule 2024: Full calendar with all you need to know about every grand prix

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