Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: Driver Contracts

  • Lawson confirmed for Red Bull

    Red Bull have chosen Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez and become Max Verstappen’s team mate this year.

    Just before Christmas it got announced that Sergio Perez will be leaving the team with immediate effect after agreeing a deal to part ways with the team despite having two years left on his contract.

    When Red Bull opted to make a change with Perez, they narrowed down the shortlist to either promoting Lawson or his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

    New Zealander, Lawson got the nod after impressing in two super-sub stints with Red Bull’s sister team – first when he replaced the injured Daniel Ricciardo for five races towards the end of 2023, and second when he replaced Ricciardo from the United States Grand Prix onwards in 2024.

    To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me. This is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old. It’s been an incredible journey so far. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole team at VCARB for their support, the last six races have played a huge part in my preparation for this next step. I also want to thank, Christian [Horner, Red Bull boss], Helmut [Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] and the whole Red Bull family for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion, I have no doubt I will learn from his expertise. I can’t wait to get going!
    Lawson on the news.

    I’m delighted to announce that Liam Lawson will join the team in 2025. Liam’s performances over the course of his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated that he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but that he’s also a real racer, not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top. His arrival continues the Team’s long history of promoting from within the Red Bull Junior Programme and he follows in the footsteps of championship and race-winning drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and of course, Max Verstappen. There’s no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the greatest drivers ever seen in F1, is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to that challenge and deliver some outstanding results for us next year.
    Christian Horner on the news.

  • Magnussen to leave Haas at the end of 2024 season

    Kevin Magnussen will vacate his race seat with Haas when the Dane’s contract expires at the end of the season – although boss Ayao Komatsu says he hopes they can “find a way to keep working together in some capacity.”

    Magnussen is currently in his seventh season with Haas, split across two spells 2017 – 2020 and 2022 – 2024 and has scored five points to team mate Nico Hulkenberg’s 22 this season.

    The former McLaren and Renault driver secured a career-high ninth in the standings for Haas back in 2018 when he scored points in 11 of the 21 races that season, as the American team finished a best-ever fifth in the constructors’ championship.

    Just weeks after Haas announced Ollie Bearman would make his full-time racing debut with the team in 2025, and on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest they have revealed Magnussen will not be partnering him.

    Some sources say that Esteban Ocon is favourite to join the team – though Haas have made no reference to their plans for the second seat.

    I’d like to thank Kevin for everything he’s given us as a team – both on and off the track. He’s truly been a bedrock of our driver line-up over the years. Nobody’s driven more races for us and we’ve had some memorable highlights together – not least a remarkable fifth place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022 when Kevin returned to start his second spell with the team. He wasn’t expecting to be driving a Formula 1 car that weekend, but he put in a remarkable performance that was a tremendous boost to the entire organization and once again showcased his own talents behind the wheel. There’s plenty of racing to go this year so I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can achieve with Kevin as we push together in the championship. Beyond that, and with Kevin’s special relationship with the team, I’m hoping we can find a way to keep working together in some capacity. We can hopefully define that in the near future, but his extensive experience in Formula 1 and knowledge of our working operations are undoubtedly of value in our on-going growth and development.
    Komatsu on the news.

    I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team – I’m proud to have raced for such a great team of people these last few years. In particular I’d like to thank Gene Haas for his commitment to me, notably in bringing me back once again in 2022 when I thought, at that time at least, my time in Formula 1 had ended. I’ve enjoyed some great moments with this team – memories I’ll never forget. While I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my racing career, I remain fully focused on giving everything I’ve got for the rest of 2024 with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.
    Magnussen on leaving Haas.

  • When does each F1 driver’s contract end?

    Seeing as the season is in full swing, driver contracts are always a big topic, but I think this year’s silly season is going to be one to remember as it already kicked off before the season even started!

    However, we know that sometimes contracts mean nothing, and there is always a way to get out of them early… 12 drivers contracts are up at the end of the season.

    Red Bull-

    Max Verstappen – 2028
    Sergio Perez – 2024

    Mercedes-

    Lewis Hamilton – 2024
    George Russell – 2025

    Ferrari-

    Charles Leclerc – “Several more seasons”
    Carlos Sainz – 2024

    McLaren-

    Lando Norris – 2026
    Oscar Piastri – 2026

    Aston Martin-

    Fernando Alonso – 2024
    Lance Stroll – Rolling

    Alpine-

    Esteban Ocon – 2024
    Pierre Gasly – 2024

    Williams-

    Alex Albon – 2025
    Logan Sargeant – 2024

    RB-

    Daniel Ricciardo – 2024
    Yuki Tsunoda – 2024

    Sauber-

    Valtteri Bottas – 2024
    Guanyu Zhou – 2024

    Haas-

    Kevin Magnussen – 2024
    Nico Hulkenberg – 2024

    That’s all 20 drivers contract lengths, obviously we know Lewis is moving to Ferrari next season, so there is a vacant seat at Mercedes which definitely doesn’t come around too often…
    There are also a few junior drivers and drivers sitting on the sideline waiting for an opportunity.

    Those being, Liam Lawson, Felipe Drugovich, Ollie Bearman, Frederik Vesti and Theo Pourchaire. All five drivers are linked to F1 teams and I could possibly see maybe one or two of them coming in for the 2025 season.
    Not only this but looking at Formula 2 aswell, depending on how the drivers go in this season they could maybe be a possibility aswell.

    Now all we have to do is wait until the next team announces whether they are sticking with their drivers or going to have a little bit of a switch around…

  • Norris agrees multi-year contract with McLaren

    Another contract extension is here, and this time it’s Lando Norris and McLaren, with the Brit committed his long-term future agreeing an extended multi-year contract.

    The Brit took six second-place finishes in 2023 on his way to sixth in the drivers’ standings in what was his most competitive season since he made his F1 debut in 2019.

    Norris’s contract was set to expire at the end of 2025 – having signed a four-year agreement in February 2022 – but following another strong campaign, both parties have moved to extend that stay.
    After team mate Oscar Piastri signed a new deal last September, Norris’s new agreement will see McLaren run an unchanged line-up for at least the next three seasons.

    The news came just a day after Charles Leclerc signed a new multi-year deal to extend his stay at Ferrari.

    McLaren hope to bring the fight to Red Bull this season, and with their drivers locked in for the next few seasons they will aim to do so.

    It’s a great feeling to be staying in papaya. I’ve grown up with McLaren and feel at home here, the team are like family to me. The journey so far has been exciting, we’ve had ups and downs, but last season showed our desire to get back to competing at the front of the grid. The work Zak [Brown, McLaren Racing CEO], Andrea [Stella, McLaren Team Principal] and the whole team have put in over the last year has been incredible and I’m confident in challenging for wins with McLaren. I’m excited to create more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years.

    Norris on the news.

    I’m delighted that we’re continuing our relationship with Lando for multiple years to come. It’s been a fantastic journey over the last six years, and he has shown fantastic commitment and desire to push the team forward and get McLaren back to the front of the grid. Last season we saw the fundamental role Lando played with the impressive turnaround in results and I’m looking forward to continuing this push forward together with lots more podiums.

    Brown on the news.

    I’m pleased to confirm the extension of our partnership with Lando on a multi-year contract beyond 2025. This reflects the commitment and confidence we have together, with our shared ambition to ultimately win championships again in the future. Lando has grown as a driver and a person since initially joining McLaren in 2017. He impressed last season, playing an important role in our progress throughout the year, securing seven podiums with many fantastic drives. Alongside Oscar, our exciting driver pairing will play an instrumental part in our objective to move towards the front of the grid. They have impressed in their first season together and I’m looking forward to continuing the hard work with them both on this exciting journey.

    Stella on Lando’s contract.

  • AlphaTauri confirm drivers for 2024

    Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo will form AlphaTauri’s driver line-up for 2024, with Liam Lawson set to fulfil reserve driver duties for the Italian squad and sister team, Red Bull.

    Tsunoda, who made his debut for the team in 2021 impressed the team with his “undoubtful natural talent and constant improvement” and “ability to integrate into the team”.

    The Japanese driver, will be joined by Aussie, Daniel Ricciardo who is currently on the sidelines with a broken hand but impressed the team when he raced for them in Hungary and Belgium before the summer break.

    AlphaTauri said Ricciardo’s “personal attitude and racing experience will be precious assets in 2024” the Australian having raced for the team in 2012 and 2013 when they were formely known as Toro Rosso and has since gone on to secure eight Grand Prix wins!

    Liam Lawson, has delivered three strong Grand Prix as a super sub for Ricciardo, including his first points last time out in Singapore but missed out on a full time race seat with the team for the 2024 season.

    Ricciardo is continuing his fight to return to full fitness and while he is unlikely to return next time out in Qatar, the plan remains for him to come back at some point this season but only when he feels ready.

    Meanwhile, Lawson will remain in position while Riccairdo recovers and in 2024, the New Zealander will focus on testing, simulator sessions and attending all the races full-time in his role as reserve.

    Looking at the grid for next season, there is only one seat available now and that is over at Williams alongside Alex Albon as Logan Sargeant is trying to fight and show he should have the seat.

    Next year, the technical regulations remain largely unchanged and it was therefore logical to go for continuity in our driver line-up too. I am very pleased with the development that Yuki has shown over the last two and a half years with our team and with Daniel’s great race-winning experience we will have one of the most competitive driver pairings on the grid in 2024. Peter [Bayer, AlphaTauri’s new CEO] and Laurent [Mekies, AlphaTauri’s incoming Team Principal] will have a great duo to start the new season in the right direction. As for Liam, who has impressed everyone in his races so far, he will definitely help the team in his development role as a third driver, and I’m sure he will have a future in Formula 1 soon.

    Team Principal, Franz Tost.

    I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season. I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel. Obviously, I’ll push as much as possible for the rest of the season and beyond, to progress as a driver. I’m grateful for Red Bull and Honda, for continuing to support and believe in me, and very happy and thankful to continue the partnership.

    Tsunoda on the news.

    I’m stoked to be driving with Yuki again next year and continuing the journey with Scuderia Alpha Tauri. Following the progress we have already made and the plans for the future, it’s an exciting time for the team. We are building and it is a great feeling. There is a lot of work to do, but we are heading in the right direction and there is a lot to look forward to. Bring on 2024!

    Ricciardo on returning to the grid.

    We are in a privileged position, where we have access to multiple great talents from the Red Bull world. This is a credit to the work that Dr [Helmut] Marko [Red Bull Motorsport Adviser] has been doing for many years. Both Daniel and Yuki have not just shown fantastic race craft but are also great global ambassadors for our team and our sport. Liam put himself in the spotlight of F1 in only three races and I am very happy that we can continue to prepare him for his future.

    Bayers on the drivers contracts.

  • Hamilton signs new deal and Russell extends

    Lewis Hamilton has put pen to paper on a new Mercedes contract that will keep the seven-time world champion onboard through the 2025 season, with George Russell also retained for the same period.

    Hamilton, was in his final year of his existing Silver Arrows deal and has been in talks with team boss Toto Wolff for several months, with those discussions eventually resulting in fresh terms.

    It comes halfway through Hamilton’s 11th season for Mercedes having joined the Brackley team back in 2013 and gone on to set a host of record, from championship wins to pole positions, race wins and so much more!

    Hamilton and Mercedes are currently working hard to return to the front of the F1 grid, their respective title winning runs having come to an end in 2021, but both sides are confident that the renewed partnership will yield further success.

    We dream every day of being the best and we have dedicated the past decade together to achieving that goal. Being at the top does not happen overnight or over a short period of time, it takes commitment, hard work and dedication and it’s been an honour to earn our way into the history books with this incredible team. We have never been hungrier to win. We have learnt from every success but also every setback. We continue to chase our dreams, we continue to fight no matter the challenge and we will win again. I’m grateful to the team who have supported me both on and off the track. Our story isn’t finished, we are determined to achieve more together and we won’t stop until we do.

    Hamilton on the new contract.

    I have grown up with this team ever since joining as part of the junior programme back in 2017. It’s my home and it feels fantastic to extend our special relationship through 2025. After stepping up to the Mercedes race seat last year, I wanted to reward the trust and belief that Toto and the rest of the team placed in me. Taking my first pole position and race win last year was an unforgettable feeling. More importantly though, it’s been great to work with everybody at Brackley and Brixworth to make progress with our car and push forward our development. Their loyalty, vision and hard work is inspiring. We have made some significant steps over the last 18 months and are only getting stronger as a team. I’m excited to help continue to build on that momentum as we progress into 2024 and 2025 as we continue to focus on returning to the very front of the pack

    Russell on extending his contract.

    Continuing with our current driver line-up was a straightforward decision. We have the strongest pairing on the grid and both drivers are playing a crucial role in the team to move us forward. The strength and stability they provide will be key building blocks for our future success. Our partnership with Lewis is one of the most successful in the sport’s history. It was always a formality that we would continue together – and it’s energising for us all to be confirming that publicly. His qualities as a pure racing driver are illustrated by his remarkable track record; but over our years together, he has grown to become a pillar and leader of our team. Those leadership qualities are crucial as we focus on fighting for world championships again. As F1’s biggest global star, he has also played a key role in shaping our commitments to diversity, inclusion and sustainability, that will be foundations for our success in the years ahead. George is a leading light of his generation. He has repaid the faith we showed in him when promoting him to a race seat in 2022. His maiden pole position in Hungary and first Grand Prix victory in São Paulo were standout moments last season. As a driver, he combines razor-sharp speed with the tenacity of a true fighter. But he brings, too, an intelligence and attention to detail that will help him to continue to grow, develop and improve further. He is a natural fit to the team and we are delighted to have extended the relationship for the coming years.

    Toto Wolff on the news.

  • Drivers Contracts 2023

    With the season being underway and we are heading to the time where ‘silly season’ normally starts as summer break will be just around the corner before we know it, lets take a look at whose contract will be running out this season.

    7 drivers contracts are running out at the end of the new season, do we think all 7 of them will be renewed?

    I think one of the biggest contract talks at the moment is Lewis Hamilton, but he himself has said he wants to sign another contract and not just one year, so hopefully in the next few months something will be confirmed with the Mercedes team.

    Two of this year’s rookies, are on one year contracts, Logan Sargeant and Nyck de Vries. I think the latter has a lot more to prove especially being under the microscope with Helmut Marko and we know how ruthless they are under the whole Red Bull/ Alpha Tauri umbrella.

    I think Yuki Tsunoda has got a lot to prove this season too, there’s talk of him going to Red Bull IF Sergio Perez left next season, so all eyes on him especially as he has a rookie teamate too.

    K-Mag and Hulkenberg, I don’t see why they won’t get their contract’s renewed, both drivers pushing to bring the team forward so will be interesting how the Haas’ boys do the rest of the season.

    Below is a list of all 20 drivers, and their contract lengths, the longest contract out of all 20 drivers, is Max Verstappen until the 2028 season.

    DriverContract Length
    Lewis Hamilton2023
    Logan Sargeant2023
    Nyck de Vries2023
    Yuki Tsunoda2023
    Kevin Magnussen2023
    Nico Hulkenberg2023
    Zhou Guanyu2023
    Alex Albon2023, and beyond
    Charles Leclerc2024
    Sergio Perez2024
    Carlos Sainz2024
    Pierre Gasly2024, option for 2025
    Esteban Ocon2024
    Oscar Piastri2024
    Fernando Alonso2024
    Valtteri Bottas2024
    Lando Norris2025
    Max Verstappen2028
    Lance StrollOngoing
    George RussellLong-term contract-unconfirmed

  • Sargeant to race for Williams if enough SL points

    Team Principal of Williams, Jost Capito has said that Logan Sargeant will be racing for the team, alongside Alex Albon in 2023 IF he manages to get the requisite Super Licence points in the final Formula 2 round later this season.

    Sargeant replaced Nicholas Latifi in the Williams FW44 during last Friday during free practice 1 at Austin, and in doing so became the first American driver to run in an F1 session since 2015.

    On Saturday, Capito announced that the American driver will step up to a full-time race seat with Williams if he gets his F1 super licence.

    The 21 year old currently sits in third in the 2022 Formula 2 standings, behind Theo Pourchaire and Champion Felipe Drugovich, Sargeant needs to finish fifth in the standings, or sixth provided he gains the two extra points for completing the season without receiving any penalty points, in order to acquire the 40 Super Licence points needed to make it to F1.

    Yeah, we feel he’s ready to race. under the condition that he has enough Super Licence points after Abu Dhabi, he will be our second driver next year. He’s had one season in F2, and I’m a fan of getting young drivers as quick through as possible into Formula 1 because the series below, the cars compare to Formula 1 cars… so get him in as quick as possible and find out if he’s capable of staying in Formula 1 for a long time, which we believe he is. And his first year in F2, and he won races, and he has been qualifying very strong all these years in his career – and we believe he’s absolutely ready to get into Formula 1. Yeah, I think we can have a rookie because with Alex we have a still young, but also very experienced driver. He is established so well in the team, fantastic results, he’s working well with the team – so we can put the rookie alongside him

    Jost Capito.

    FP1 Sessions-

    Logan will be borrowing Albon’s car in Mexico and Latifi’s in Abu Dhabi as well as getting a full day in the car at the Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit.

    Williams also say he will be completing a number of private testing days and extensive simulator work adding to the development work he has already carried out as part of his Williams Academy role.

    I’d like to start by saying thank you again to Williams Racing and Dorilton Motor Sports for giving me the opportunity to drive on home turf yesterday (Friday) here at COTA. It was one of the most enjoyable moments of my career so far. I’m very grateful to be given further time in the FW44 at Mexico and Abu Dhabi. My aim is to make the most of every minute in the car and with the team to build on the progress I’ve made in Austin and throughout my time on the simulator at Grove. Of course, my focus is on finishing my Formula 2 season in Abu Dhabi in the best position possible, and I’m sure my time in the FW44 will keep me sharp and ready for the F2 finale.

    Logan Sargeant on the latest news.

    Logan showed a high level of understanding during his FP1 debut in Austin and provided useful feedback to help in the team’s preparations for the rest of the weekend. We are providing Logan further opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi to integrate himself with the team trackside in both free practice sessions and the Young Driver Test as we work hard to support Logan in his efforts towards earning the FIA Super Licence. It’s great that as a team we can provide invaluable time for Logan to get behind the wheel of the FW44 to continue his development as a Williams Academy Driver and harness his talents. We’re looking forward to seeing how Logan progresses this season and finishes out his last race of the season in Formula 2.

    Williams Sporting Director, Sven Smeets.

  • Gasly to Alpine 2023

    Pierre Gasly is the final piece in the puzzle as he forms an all-French line-up with Esteban Ocon at Alpine from the 2023 season, after he signs a multi-year deal.

    The 26 year old, was contracted to Alpha Tauri for 2023 but Red Bull – who have supported him for the past nine years – agreed to release him early if they find a suitable replacement.

    Gasly has been keen to secure a drive after having rebuilt his reputation at AlphaTauri following his demotion from Red Bull in 2019.

    When Fernando Alonso announced he was leaving for Aston Martin and Alpine’s reserve Oscar Piastri chose McLaren, Alpine marked Gasly as their number one target.

    I am delighted to join the Alpine family and begin this new chapter in my Formula 1 career. Driving for a team that has French roots is something very special. I know the strengths of Alpine having raced against them over the past couple of years and, clearly, their progress and ambition is very impressive. I wish to thank Red Bull as this marks the end of our nine-year journey together. It is thanks to their trust and support that I became a Formula 1 driver, and what we’ve achieved with Scuderia AlphaTauri over the last years has been very special. Looking ahead, I want to give the maximum and utilise all my experience to fight for podiums and ultimately contribute to Alpine’s fight for championships in the future.

    Pierre Gasly on his move.

    I’m very happy that Pierre will be joining the team for 2023 and beyond. He is already a proven talent within Formula 1, and we are looking forward to harnessing that within the team. Our team has several objectives for the coming seasons and I firmly believe our driver line-up is a great reflection of the team’s high ambitions. I trust Pierre and Esteban can, together, motivate the team to continue its progress towards these goals. We would also like to thank Red Bull for agreeing the terms to allow Pierre to take this step.

    Alpine Team Principal, Otmar Szafnauer

    I would like to welcome Pierre to the Alpine family. He is a talented and motivated driver who will contribute positively to our objectives in Formula 1. Pierre is completely aligned with the ambition and progression that has, to date, been a hallmark of the Alpine project. As a young, but highly experienced and successful driver, his trajectory is on course with our own, and we look forward to growing together.

    Laurent Rossi, Alpine CEO.

  • Tsunoda stays with AT for 2023

    Alpha Tauri have confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the squad for the 2023 season, which will be the Japanese driver’s third year with the Italian team.

    Tsunoda joined Alpha Tauri at the start of the 2021 season, and has spent two years to date alongside Pierre Gasly, netting 43 points in that time (32 of which were earned last season) alongside a best race finish of fourth – claimed at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

    The 22 year old finished last season in 14th, he currently sits in 16th after scoring 11 points in the opening 16 races, with 6 remaining.

    The identity of Tsunoda’s team mate is less clear, with AT and Red Bull having publicly stating that they would be prepared to release Gasly to another team if they found a suitable replacement – with Tost admitting that Indy Car driver Colton Herta was of interest to the team.

    I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1. Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023. Of course, our 2022 season isn’t over yet and we’re still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year.

    Tsunoda speaking on his deal.

    As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season. The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022. As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula 1, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential. In addition, it’s a testament to Dr. Marko [Red Bull Motorsports Adviser] and his driver programme that we’re able to bring these young talents up from the junior categories and develop them. I’d like to join Yuki in thanking Red Bull and AlphaTauri, as well as Honda, for their continuous support and for allowing him to stay with us for another year.

    Teamboss, Franz Tost on Tsunoda’s re-signing.

  • Neom McLaren confirm Rast

    McLaren Racing has signed Rene Rast with the German driver the first of Neom McLaren Formula E’s driver line up for its debut in Formula E starting 2022/23.

    Rast is making his return to Formula E after a full-time spell with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler back in Season 7, with a best result of second in Puebla. His first appearance in the series came back in 2015/16 and was followed by a stint with Audi back at the Season 6 six-race nine-day finale in Berlin, that earned him a full time drive a year later.

    Rast is also a triple DTM champion, coming out on top in 2017, 2019 and 2020, and he has also claimed overall wins at the 2012 and 2014 24 Hours of Spa, 2-14 24 Hours of Nurburgring and class wins at the 2012 and 2016 24 Hours of Daytona.

    I am delighted to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. As a racing fan, McLaren has always had huge appeal. It’s an iconic name in motorsport with a rich history, so I feel privileged and proud to be able to represent McLaren in Formula E next season. I’ve done a season in Formula E before, it was a great experience, and I felt after that year I wasn’t done yet. I’m excited that I am now getting the opportunity to continue that journey. I’m extremely motivated and have no doubt we will create something great together. I can’t wait to get started!

    Rene Rast on joining McLaren.

    While we approach the start of a new chapter for the team, I am delighted to be able to add Rene to our driver line up for next season. Rene has shown his racecraft over and over again in every series he has competed in to date. He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent, and has valuable previous experience in Formula E, which will be of great help both to the team and himself. Season 9 promises to be an exciting challenge for the team and I’m happy to have one of our cars in the trusted hands of Rene.

    Ian James, Managing Director.

    Rene has impressed over the years in the series he has competed in. He is a true racer and has proven to be quick in any car he’s driven. His previous experience in Formula E will be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing. I’m delighted to welcome Rene to the McLaren Racing family.

    Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing.

  • Nissan confirms driver line-up

    Nissan has announced Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz in their all new driver line-up ahead of Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the first campaign of the Gen3 era.

    Nato, a previous Formula E race winner back in Berlin in Season 6, makes his full-time return to the series with the Japanese manufacturer, having competed in FIA World Endurance Championship in 2022 and stepping in for Jaguar TCS Racing as its reserve driver in Seoul.

    I’m very happy to be making my comeback as a full-time driver in Formula E with Nissan. The Gen3 era will be a new chapter for the championship, and I’m excited to prepare for testing and drive the car. The hard work starts now – I have a lot to learn and areas to develop in with the team to be at my best for the first round of Season 9 in Mexico City.

    Norman Nato on his return.

    Whereas for Fenestraz, next season will mark his first full time campaign in Formula E, following his debut at the final round of season 8 at Dragon / Penske Autosport.

    The French-Argentine racer won the Japanese Formula 3 title in 2019 and continues to compete in both Super Formula and the GT500 class of the Super GT championship. So far in 2022, the 23 year old has taken victory in both championships and currently tops the Super GT standings.

    It’s a dream come true. It will be a big step forward in my career, to move up into a World Championship for the first time and to be competing at such a high level against some of the best drivers in the world. It’s going to be a different challenge for me as it will be my first season in an all-electric car. I’m excited to compete in this championship as street circuits are my favourite, with high risks and no room for errors. As a rookie in a new format, there is a lot of preparation to do and plenty to learn! I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a very long time, and I am very grateful to Nissan for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started and I’ll do everything to perform as best as I can.

    Sacha Fenestraz on his move.

    This is a significant moment for the team as we commence the Gen3 era, and we are very happy to welcome both Norman and Sacha on board. Season 9 will be our first season competing as one team, following Nissan’s acquisition of e.dams earlier this year, and also the beginning of our partnership with McLaren Racing. This marks a new era for the Nissan Formula E Team, and we believe that a combination of experience and the opportunity to nurture new talent is the right balance for us right now. In Norman and Sacha, we have found two strong drivers to fulfil our vision. Norman has proven to be a very talented driver in Formula E and in other series, and he brings a wealth of experience and skills to the team. As for Sacha, we have monitored his progress and performance over the past few years and have been very impressed. We believe he has great potential and that this is the right time to bring him into to the team. I am convinced that they will complement each other and the team very well. I can’t wait to see them both in action on track in our new Nissan Gen3 car.

    Tommaso Volpe, General Manager, Nissan Formula E.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/Chl9IZPIiVk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Seats left for 2023

    Seeing as we are past the halfway point of the 2022 season as well as having had an exciting start to the summer break and ‘silly season’ lets take a look at what seats are actually left, before we get back racing again!

    Alpine-

    Technically, Alpine’s seat is ‘taken’ due to them announcing Piastri at the start of the month, but since then we’ve had nothing from the French team, not even an acknowledgement on Piastri saying he hasn’t signed a contract.

    But if Piastri is a definite no, then who could take the seat alongside Esteban Ocon? Well, if Piastri went to McLaren the first option would be Ricciardo. Zhou Guanyu, was an Alpine Academy member last year, but got released so he could driver for Alfa this year, could he possibly take the seat? If not their really only other option would be an F2 driver.

    Alfa Romeo-

    Valtteri Bottas has a multi year contract, so his seat is very much safe, but is Zhou Guanyu’s ? He hasn’t had the easiest season, and its not so much crashes but mechanical issues.

    If he doesn’t get re-signed, he could be replaced by Sauber junior, Theo Pourchaire he is a favourite for the seat. If not Mick Schumacher possibly? Alfa Romeo still have a Ferrari engine and with Mick still linked to the FDA this could be possible…

    Haas-

    K-Mag came back this year and got that multi year contract sorted straight away, where as Mick has been on a 1 year contract both years his been in the sport. But are Haas happy with him?

    But who could possibly take the seat? I personally don’t see them replacing Mick, I think they’ll re-sign him, it would be a step back for the American team…

    Alpha Tauri-

    Pierre Gasly sticks with Red Bulls sister team, but who could possibly join him next season? For the past two years the Frenchman has been paired with Yuki Tsunoda, but has he impressed enough to keep his seat?

    If not who could replace him? Well Red Bull have a few junior drivers, one in particular stands out to me is Liam Lawson, I’d say all he needs to do is for the rest of his F2 season is just score lots of points.

    Williams-

    Williams already has Alex Albon secured for the 2023 season. But the British team has a few options for the second seat, as of right now, I don’t think the team is interested in keeping Latifi for next season…

    But Williams have a few options and they are… Oscar Piastri, if they are still interested in him after the whole McLaren/Alpine situation. If not Nyck de Vries, he took the car out in an FP1 session earlier on in the season and he impressed a lot.

    But I think, Williams are going to head to their Academy, and get F2 Junior, Logan Sargeant in that seat next year, he has impressed in F2 in his rookie season, and his now getting treated to an FP1 session at his home GP in America

    Since this was posted Alex has been confirmed!

  • Albon sticks with Williams

    Williams have announced that Alex Albon will continue to race for the team for 2023 and beyond, as part of a multi-year agreement with the British team.

    Albon joined Williams for this season as a replacement for George Russell, after Red Bull released the Thai driver from his contract – where he was fulfilling reserve driver duties.

    He (Alex) has delivered a strong set of results and scored all the team’s points this season through a 10th place in Australia and ninth in Miami.

    Before the ‘Silly’ Season had started, Albon refused to rule out a possible move to Aston Martin when Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement last week, before that seat was swiftly filled by Alonso.

    Its not been confirmed yet, on who will be driving with Alex Albon in the other Williams seat. Latifi hasn’t put the performance in they wanted this year and has been out performed by Albon who had been out of the car for a year. Some say, Williams is looking at their junior driver, Logan Sargeant or reigning Formula E Champion, Nyck de Vries.

    I am really excited to be staying with Williams Racing for 2023 and look forward to seeing what we can achieve as a team in the remainder of this season and next year. The team has made some strong gains this year and it’s exciting to continue this journey and further develop our learnings together.

    Alex Albon on his future.

    Alex is a tremendous driver and valued member of Williams Racing, so we’re thrilled to be able to confirm we will be working with him on a long-term basis. Alex brings a great blend of skill and insightful learnings that will help bring the team greater success in the future. He’s a fierce competitor, has proved a popular and loyal team member and we are delighted that he will provide a stable base for us to continue to develop in this new F1 car era.

    Jost Capito, Williams Team Principle.