Which drivers are going where?

Red Bull

Even before Red Bull streaked well clear of Ferrari in the 2022 constructors’ championship, it had both drivers signed up for next season. Stability is the name of the game as an uber-long deal to retain Max Verstappen means he will again lead the outfit over compliant team-mate Sergio Perez.  

Confirmed 2023 drivers

• Driver 1: Max Verstappen – Red Bull has the reigning world champion under lock and key, with Verstappen contractually committed to the team until 2028 after signing a five-year extension earlier this season. The deal could net the driver up to €50million a year. 
• Driver 2: Sergio Perez – After winning this season’s Monaco Grand Prix, the Mexican let slip on his way to the podium that he’d just inked a new deal. Days later, it was announced that Perez had signed on until 2024. But he will need to address his late-campaign slump in form. 

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75

Photo by: Alessio Morgese

Ferrari chairman John Elkann wants Maranello to win a drivers’ and constructors’ title before 2026, specifically with “Charles Leclerc in pole position”. Just as well the Monegasque has agreed a long-term deal with the Scuderia. Similarly, stablemate Carlos Sainz is going nowhere for next year.  

Confirmed 2023 drivers

• Driver 1: Charles Leclerc – Leclerc has been a part of the Ferrari family since 2016, when he joined the Driver Academy. And it seems he’s staying put for a while yet, the team’s leading light having inked a contract to remain a part of the Prancing Horse’s stable until 2024.  
• Driver 2: Carlos Sainz – To enthuse the tifosi ahead of the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Ferrari’s doorstep, a two-year extension to keep one-time F1 winner Sainz on board until the end of 2024 was revealed. That will take his stay with the team to at least four years.    

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W13

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Lewis Hamilton considered walking away from F1 after the controversial events of Abu Dhabi last year. But he has returned to lead the team in the ground-effect era and help the rapid progress of George Russell. The Brits will again pair up in 2023 as they seek to return the Silver Arrow to success.  

Confirmed 2023 drivers

• Driver 1: Lewis Hamilton – The seven-time champion is contracted to Mercedes until the end of 2023. Forget those who suggested he should retire early…