Where are the drivers in their contracts?

The 2022 season hasn’t even started yet, and teams are already preparing the composition of their line-ups for the upcoming years. Several drivers have signed long-term contracts with their teams, but only two teams are guaranteed to have no changes between 2022 and 2023 (Mercedes and McLaren). After the technical revolution this season, should we expect a big shake-up in the transfer market next year? Let’s take a look at the different contracts.

Mercedes and McLaren

As mentioned earlier, these two teams are the only ones that already know their drivers for 2023. After a true-false suspense, Lewis Hamilton is back in business for at least the next two seasons. His new teammate George Russell signed a long-term contract with the Gris in September, the duration of which has not yet been specified.

At McLaren, Lando Norris extended his contract at the beginning of the year until 2025, while Daniel Ricciardo’s contract runs until 2023.

Red Bull

Max Verstappen will stay with the Austrian team until at least 2028. The XXL contract that the Dutchman has just signed is further proof that Red Bull’s F1 program relies almost exclusively on the shoulders of the world champion. The future is more uncertain for Sergio Pérez, who has only been extended until 2022. The Mexican driver will have to get closer to his teammate this season if he doesn’t want his place to be threatened. A certain Pierre Gasly is on the lookout…

Ferrari

The situation is almost stabilized with the Reds. Unless there is a huge surprise, Carlos Sainz is expected to extend his contract, which was initially concluded for two seasons. The Scuderia is satisfied with the performances of the Madrilene alongside Charles Leclerc, who has a contract until 2024. This situation is not likely to please the members of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Alpine

The transfer news will certainly focus around the French team in 2022. Not on the side of Esteban Ocon’s garage, whose contract runs until 2024, but on Fernando Alonso’s side. The Spaniard had stated that his future would depend on the performance of the A522 following the new technical regulations implemented this season. Even though he is already thinking about next year, what would be his reaction if his new vehicle did not meet his expectations? Whatever happens, Alpine has already anticipated a possible departure of the Asturian Bull, as Oscar Piastri, the 2021 F2 champion, is already under contract with the team.

Aston Martin

In Lawrence Stroll’s team, Lance isn’t (yet) under threat. Even though his 2021 season hasn’t been outstanding, the boss’s son still enjoys the team’s support. But does he have the strength to meet his father’s high ambitions? The duration of his contract is unknown, unlike his teammate’s, which ends in late 2022. Similar to Alonso, Sebastian Vettel’s future in F1 will likely depend on the performance of his new car.

Alfa Romeo

Newcomer at Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas is in place at least until 2023. The Finn is determined to bounce back in the Swiss team, and Frédéric Vasseur counts on him to climb up the hierarchy among constructors. The deal signed with Guanyu Zhou is more unclear. Supported by generous sponsors, the terms that unite Hinwill and the Chinese driver have not been disclosed.

AlphaTauri, Williams, and Haas.

These three teams have the particularity of having specific contractual relationships with their drivers.

The future of the AlphaTauri drivers is in the hands of the management of their big sister, Red Bull. Pierre Gasly is eyeing Sergio Pérez’s seat, while Yuki Tsunoda has been given a new chance within the small Italian team. Their fate therefore depends on their own performances, the performances of the Red Bull drivers, and also the performances of the Red Bull Junior Team drivers.

If Alex Albon has joined Williams this year, it is probably not just for one season. Still under contract with Red Bull, the Thai driver may be part of a larger deal with the Austrian team. As for Nicholas Latifi, even if his performances are not always up to par, he is supported by several sponsors that allow him to secure his seat.

Finally, Haas is a big unknown. As a driver supported by Ferrari, Mick Schumacher cannot aim for a place in Maranello in the short term and will probably have to renew for a third year, or else find refuge at Alfa Romeo, the other team powered by Ferrari. For Nikita Mazepin, the situation in Ukraine darkens his Formula 1 situation, while potential replacements are already knocking at the door.