Günther Steiner believes there will be at least 4 new F1 drivers in 2025

The grid for the 2024 season will be almost identical to that of 2023, with one exception: Nick de Vries only spent six months at AlphaTauri before being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. However, 2024 promises to be lively with many contracts ending at the end of the season. Ferrari, for example, has not extended either of its two drivers, just like Sergio Perez.

In total, 12 of the 20 drivers will see their contract end. In addition to team changes, some drivers might not find a landing spot, thus opening the door to new drivers.

Follow the Piastri model

Günther Steiner, the director of Haas, believes that 2025 could be a golden opportunity for young drivers. He suggests that teams should take a chance with novice drivers, citing the success of McLaren and Oscar Piastri. « I think there is a great opportunity for young drivers to come », Steiner said on Sky F1. « Some of the current drivers may stop at the end of 2024. If they have not performed well, no one will choose them. I see a better opportunity to take a risk with a young driver rather than keep an older driver who has not performed well. »

Günther Steiner has not been lucky with beginners. In 2021, Haas had lined up two rookies, Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher. Although the latter stayed until 2022, the Russian driver was not renewed for a second year. In 2023, the American team called on two old hands, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg. However, Steiner prefers to focus on McLaren’s success to encourage other teams to take the risk.

« Everyone was afraid of beginners », explained the Italian director. « Piastri came and he was good right away. Now that we have seen this, we say to ourselves: “OK, it worked with Piastri, why wouldn’t it work with someone else?” So it could be that by 2025, we will have three, four, or even five new drivers…»

Mixed assessment for the latest rookies

In 2023, the most remarkable rookie was Oscar Piastri. The Australian driver was very impressive from his first season, often managing to compete with his experienced teammate Lando Norris, particularly in qualifications, and even winning a race during the Sprint in Qatar.

However, Piastri was not the only rookie in 2023. There was Nick de Vries, who did not last more than six months, and Logan Sargeant, who was extended by Williams at the end of the season. The American driver only scored one point thanks to the elimination of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the United States Grand Prix. Thus, 2023 was a mixed year in terms of rookies.

Since 2021, the rookies lined up on the grid have often not lasted more than two seasons, such as Mick Schumacher, Nikita Mazepin and Nick de Vries. Currently, only Yuki Tsunoda manages to persevere, although Oscar Piastri also seems to be doing well. Rookies remain a gamble for the teams.

What contributions?

Having a rookie drive carries risks for the teams. The drivers lack experience and sometimes need several races, or even a season, to get used to the pace of F1. Although Formula 2 or Super Formula are good training grounds, they cannot match the experience of F1. Moreover, there is the risk of accidents. Young drivers tend to crash more easily or cause on-track accidents. Having a beginner drive also represents a financial investment.

By definition, a rookie has no experience, a crucial criterion in the development of a team or during a difficult period in a season. A high-performing newcomer can bring valuable points but will not necessarily be a leader. He usually provides less data, whether in a race or in a simulator.

However, having a novice drive, especially in lower grid teams, allows for salary savings. Moreover, in case of good performances, a beginner can subsequently progress, adapt to the DNA of the stable and, above all, become a leader. If he is effective, a rookie presents a more lasting interest than an older driver.