Here’s what the 2023 Formula 1 driver line-up looks like so far –
1. Red Bull Racing – Max Verstappen, sergio perez
Red Bull Racing has no plans to change its driver line-up, with poster boy Max Verstappen being the team’s first choice. Verstappen’s pairing with Sergio Perez has worked well for the team, with the latter set to remain in place until at least 2024.
2. Ferrari – Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sanzo
Scuderia Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both have deals to stay with the team until the end of the 2024 season. The drivers are currently ranked second and fifth respectively in the 2022 driver standings.
3. Mercedes – Lewis Hamilton, George Russell
The 7-time world champion signed a two-year extension with Mercedes in 2021, meaning he is set to stay with the team until the end of the 2023 season. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently revealed that Hamilton aims to race for another 5 years. Meanwhile, his compatriot George Russell is on a ‘multi-year’ deal with the team.
4. McLaren – Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri
With Lando Norris closing in on a long-term contract at McLaren, it was recently revealed that Daniel Ricciardo would be let go by the team, and instead, Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri would be brought in on a two-year deal .
5. Alpine – Esteban Ocon
Fernando Alonso announced he is moving from Alpine, having signed a contract with Aston Martin a while back. With the reserve driver signed with McLaren, Alpine has only Esteban Ocon left. The team is yet to announce its second driver for the 2023 season. According to rumours, Pierre Gasly may be paired with his fellow countryman.
6. Alfa Romeo – Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu
Valtteri Bottas signed with Alfa Romeo earlier this year after leaving Mercedes. The Finn has a multi-year deal with the team, which means he will stay. On the other hand, Zhou Guanyue has managed to impress his team this season, and hence, he has been given a one-year extension for the 2023 season.
7. Aston Martin – Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso
Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the season, and Aston Martin was quick to recruit Fernando Alonso to serve as his successor to the team. Lance Stroll, on the other hand, is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, and, therefore, will remain engaged.
8. Haas – Kevin Magnussen
Kevin Magnussen was brought back into Formula 1 just before this season to replace Nikita Mazepin, when the team cut all ties with the latter. The Dane has a contract that sees him running for the team until the end of 2023. However, Michael Schumacher’s son Mick will be out on a contract at the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether Haas plans to retain him for next year or go with another driver.
9. Alphatauri – Yuki Tsunada
With a one-year extension, Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the AlphaTauri team for the next season. Meanwhile his teammate Pierre Gasly prepares to jump ship. This leaves a space in the AlphaTauri constant. Nyck de Vries is being seen as a possible candidate for the job, however, it is yet to be confirmed who will be paired with Tsunada.
10. Williams – Alex Albon
In August, Williams confirmed that Alex Albon had been inked for a multi-year contract after impressing the team with his performance. His teammate Nicolas Latifi, however, will give up his seat at the end of this season as his 3-year contract expires. Williams seat may be filled by Daniel Ricciardo, mick schumacherOr someone else entirely.