Alpine’s announcement that it will promote Jack Doohan to a Formula 1 race seat in 2025 leaves just three cockpits available on next year’s grid.
But in reality, there are not that many options available for drivers still trying to secure their futures, because in all likelihood there is just one vacancy left completely open.
While Mercedes, RB and Sauber/Audi have yet to officially confirm their line-ups, the first two squads are pretty nailed down with what they are going to do.
At Mercedes, it is now almost certain that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will get the nod to line up alongside George Russell as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.
An announcement could come as early as next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix – where the young Italian is also expected to take part in the first free practice session.
The situation at Red Bull and RB is slightly more fluid, but equally, it is more a case of three into two, rather than there being a door open for an outsider to swoop in.
With Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko suggesting ahead of the Dutch GP that Liam Lawson will get a seat at one of the squad’s two outfits next year, it means that either Sergio Perez (Red Bull) or Daniel Ricciardo (RB) will likely have to make way.
Liam Lawson, Reserve Driver, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, with Helmut Marko, Consultant, Red Bull Racing, Peter Bayer, CEO, RB F1 Team
Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images
Both Perez and Ricciardo’s futures for the second half of this season had been in doubt after some mixed fortunes in the early stages of the campaign, but it was decided at the start of the summer break that both would be staying on for now.
Red Bull will want to see an improvement from both drivers if they are to stay for next year – and that is something that both are well aware of.
Speaking earlier in the Dutch GP weekend, Ricciardo said he had no doubts that Lawson deserved a full-time seat in F1 – something that it is understood Red Bull has to give him for 2025 as per his contract if he is not to become a free agent.
Ricciardo said: “I still know that performance is my best friend. If I do what I know I can do, and am capable of, then I think it puts me in a very good position to obviously stay somewhere in the family for next year.
“Speaking on Liam – I got to see him drive the car last year and I do think he did a great job. I do think he is worthy of a seat on the grid.
“So in a way I’m happy…
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