Six F1 stars could be dropped in 2025 with nine drivers waiting in the wings
The grid could receive another major shake-up as 2025 progresses.
In 2025, F1 fans can look forward to one of the most exciting new grids in recent history. Lewis Hamilton will make his debut as a Ferrari star and six drivers are heading into their first full seasons in the sport, including Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.
However, stability on the grid is far from guaranteed in 2025. With Andretti joining the sport in 2026, two new seats have been created, and six active drivers' contracts expire at the end of the upcoming season.
Express Sport takes you through the drivers who could be on the move…
F1 stars out of contract in 2025
The most high-profile drivers out of contract at the end of the season both reside in Mercedes’ ranks. Kimi Antonelli’s fairytale promotion comes with the caveat of a one-year deal, and with Max Verstappen still a target for Toto Wolff and Valtteri Bottas sitting patiently on the sidelines, the Italian teenager will be under pressure from the get-go.
George Russell is also out of contract in 2025, although the Brit is expected to remain with the Silver Arrows for the long term despite reported interest from Audi. Red Bull could also have a space open, with Liam Lawson’s deal running until the end of the year.
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If Lawson is moved on, the two leading contenders to replace him are Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar. They will be eyeing new terms when their deals expire in 2025.
Finally, Jack Doohan will be looking over his shoulder heading into his rookie campaign. The young Australian can reportedly be ousted from Alpine after just six races if his performances aren’t up to scratch.
Drivers on the outside looking in
The 2025 free agent pool comprises a wealth of experienced heads recently dropped from the grid. Bottas and former Sauber team-mate Zhou Gunayu have set their sights on F1 returns in 2026, while Sergio Perez’s future in the sport is up in the air. The Mexican star has set a six-month timeline for his retirement decision.
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Daniel Ricciardo has no intentions to chase a return to the grid, but Kevin Magnussen is keeping his options open ahead of a season of endurance racing with BMW M Motorsport. Elsewhere, former Haas driver Mick Schumacher will continue his bid to return to the grid despite forging a new career in the World Endurance Championship.
There are also young talents looking for their first shot at F1 glory. Alongside new recruit Franco Colapinto, Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron will be desperate to impress Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes, with Doohan’s future at Enstone looking precarious.
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With Tsunoda and Hadjar out of contract at the end of the season, British starlet Arvid Lindblad has a remarkable opportunity to stake a claim for an F1 debut. The 17-year-old is making his Formula Two debut in 2025, and Helmut Marko has clarified that he intends to offer the London-born prospect testing opportunities as soon as possible.
Cadillac’s arrival in 2026 has created two new opportunities, and one of their seats is highly likely to go the way of Colton Herta. The Californian racer has been a mainstay in the upper echelons of the IndyCar standings since debuting in 2018, and the 24-year-old now looks set for a move to F1.
