Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: Drivers Market

  • Hadjar earns Red Bull seat as Lindblad joins Racing Bulls

    Isack Hadjar will be stepping up to Red Bull in 2026 to partner Max Verstappen, with Arvid Lindblad making his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.

    Red Bull and Racing Bulls were the only teams to have free seats for 2026, though Hadjar has long been expected to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull alongside four-time World Champion Verstappen after a stellar rookie season.

    Hadjar has scored points in 10 Grands Prix this season, including a superb maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    Red Bull junior, Lindblad emerged as a candidate for promotion to Formula 1 with Racing Bulls after delivering some strong races in feeder series F2 and impressing when driving a Red Bull in Free Practice 1 outings at Silverstone and in Mexico.

    That left Tsunoda and Lawson to fight for the remaining seat at Racing Bulls, with the latter coming out on top to secure a second full campaign with the team – Lawson having replaced Daniel Ricciardo at the team midway through 2024.
    While Tsunoda loses his seat on the grid, he will remain part of the family as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2026.

    Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams. Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday. Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards. As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the Team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.
    Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

    I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One. After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me. This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the Team‘s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.
    Isack Hadjar on the promotion.

    Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey. Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport. Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula 1.
    Alan Permane, Racing Bulls Team Principal.

    I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula 1 so it’s a proud moment to take this step. I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support. 2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year!
    Lindblad on joining Formula 1.

  • Colapinto confirmed for 2026

    Franco Colapinto will complete Alpine’s driver line-up alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026, the team have announced.

    The 22 year old joined Alpine in January as a reserve driver on a multi-year deal before earning promotion to a race seat after six races as a replacement for Jack Doohan.

    The Argentine endured a difficult start to his time at the team with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore conceding in August that he was not happy with Colapinto’s performance.

    However, Colapinto went on to up his game and in the last six Grands Prix has been competitive relative to team mate Gasly, who in September committed his future to the team until at leas the end of 2028.

    The improved form – in what is the slowest car on the grid – made him favourite to keep his seat for 2026, with the team believed to have narrowed the choice down to him or fellow reserve Paul Aron.

    I’ve been following Franco’s progress throughout his time in Formula 1 and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team. Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver. It has been a tough year for the whole team, and it hasn’t been the easiest scenario to perform in, however both Franco and Pierre have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next season. With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we have a good blend of experience, speed and talent that will help drive the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to cheer and shout about next season.
    Briatore on the news.

    I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future. Ever since I made my Formula 1 debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in this sport. It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for the opportunity to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great team mate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from. Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country of Argentina and an event that feels like a home race for me where I have so much support. To have so many fans on this journey with me and the team is why we go racing and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula 1, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate. Vamos Alpine!
    Colapinto on the news.

  • Hitech TGR confirm Colton Herta

    Hitech TGR have confirmed that Colton Herta will be racing for the team in the 2026 season.

    Herta joins the grid after seven full seasons in IndyCar where he achieved 19 podium finishes, which included nine victories as well as 16 pole positions and a best result of second overall in the 2024 season.

    Prior to that, the Cadillac F1 Team Test driver, finished third in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship and the 2016 Euroformula Open Championship.

    In addition to that, Herta also ended up second in the 2016 Spanish Formula 3 Championship. The American driver now returns to racing in Europe with Hitech and he is excited to get going in 2026.

    I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season. This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 – to compete on the Formula 1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world – was one I couldn’t pass up. I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition. I know it won’t be easy – learning the car, the tyres, the tracks – but I’m approaching this with determination, focus, and a lot of motivation. My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in Formula 1. Hitech has an excellent reputation and a proven track record, and I’m confident it’s the right environment for me to develop and perform. I want to thank them for believing in me and providing the platform to make this step.
    Herta on the news.

    We’re delighted to welcome Colton to the team for the 2026 Formula 2 season. He already brings a level of experience, professionalism, and talent that we’re typically used to nurturing in drivers as they progress through the junior categories. This is an exciting step for Colton, but also a challenging one. He’s stepping into a new racing environment that has very different formats, with high expectations, and a clear goal of progressing to F1. But his determination and commitment are impressive and we’re delighted to help maximise his potential during the 2026 season.
    Clive Hatton, Hitech TGR Team Manager.

  • CUPRA KIRO confirm Dan Ticktum

    CUPRA KIRO has confirmed Dan Ticktum will stay with the team through the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    Ticktum enters his fifth season in Formula E after joining the grid from FIA Formula 2 in 2021.

    In the 2024/25 season, the 26 year old produced a breakthrough campaign which saw the Brit claim a landmark maiden podium in Tokyo, a maiden Julius Baer Pole Position in London and an unforgettable first victory in Jakarta.

    The upcoming 2025/26 season will mark Ticktum’s second with CUPRA KIRO and fifth overall with the Silverstone-based team, with the collaboration marking one of the longest active driver-team combinations on the grid.

    I am back. And I’m happy to be back. Season 11 was far more positive than any season before it. Last year we faced a big challenge to get everything in the right window as fast as we could, and with limited time, but we achieved that halfway through the season. I’m looking forward to building on that this year, and I think that if we can hit the ground running, we have a car that can be good enough to get more wins. My personal goal is a top five finish in the championship, but overall, I want to really enjoy the environment in the team. I love all of the people in this team, and I’m really looking forward to this season.
    Ticktum on the news.

    Continuing our relationship with Dan for Season 12 was the easiest decision we’ve had to make as a team. Since joining us in 2021, we’ve been very fortunate to watch him grow and transform into one of Formula E’s most gifted drivers. From securing his first victory in Jakarta to taking pole in London, Dan’s performances last season proved what we’ve always believed: that he has the makings of a World Champion. He has the drive, the instinct, and the pure talent to be the best, and we’re very proud, and very excited to continue our journey together in Season 12. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve!
    Russell O’Hagan, Chief Operating Officer, CUPRA KIRO.

  • Russell & Antonelli confirmed as Mercedes line-up

    George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will form Mercedes’ Formula 1 driver line-up for the 2026 season, the team have announced.

    The eight-time World Champions have opted to stick with Russell and Antonelli, who are both products of the team’s junior programme and have guided the Silver Arrows to P2 in the Teams’ Championship with three race weekends to go.

    Russell was promoted to the works team in 2022, after three years at Williams, and has since clinched five Grands Prix wins, the latest of which came at Singapore.

    Next year will be his eighth in F1 and 10th campaign for Mercedes, having joined their junior programme in 2017.

    Rookie Antonelli has had some big peaks this year, including Sprint pole in Miami, a podium in Canada, where he became the youngest podium finisher in F1 history and podium in Sao Paulo, but also endured a difficult run through the European leg of the season.

    Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if. We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I’m pleased we have done that. George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1.
    Wolff on the news.

    I am really proud to be continuing our journey together. Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport’s history next year. We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.
    Russell on the news.

    I’m super excited to be continuing with the team. I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team mate too. I want to say thank you to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me. Our focus now is to finish this year strongly and secure second in the Constructors’ Championship, before we then turn our full attention to 2026. There’s plenty for us still to achieve in these final six races and we will be giving it our all.
    Antonelli on the news.

  • Cadillac pick 2026 drivers

    Cadillac have signed Grand Prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to be their drivers when the team joins the Formula 1 grid for the first time in 2026.

    The American team, who are backed by General Motors and will be led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, will become the sport’s 11th team next season.

    Cadillac have opted for experience with their line-up, signing Checo Perez and Mercedes reserve Bottas – who boast 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 Grand Prix wins between them – on multi year deals.

    It marks a remarkable return for the veteran duo, both 35, after they lost their respective F1 race seats at the end of last season.

    Perez took some time out consider his future goals and spend time with his family after leaving Red Bull, while Bottas stayed in the paddock as reserve for Mercedes following his Sauber exit.

    Mexican Perez brings immense F1 experience, having competed for Sauber, McLaren and Force Indian/Racing Point before moving to Red Bull, where he helped the team win the Teams’ Championship in 2022 and 2023.

    Finland’s Bottas enjoyed incredible success at Mercedes, playing a key role in the Silver Arrows winning the Teams’ Championship every year from 2017 to 2021.

    Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent. They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.
    Lowdon on the news.

    Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on. I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.
    Perez on the news.

    From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid. I’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.
    Bottas on the news.

    Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a line-up announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.
    CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team & TWG Motorsport, Dam Towriss.

  • AIX Racing confirm Emerson Fittipaldi JR for 2026

    AIX Racing have become the first team to confirm part of their plans for 2026 with the signing of Emerson Fittipaldi Jr for next season.

    The Brazilian, son of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, will be making his Formula 2 debut next season.

    Fittipaldi Jr has been racing in the Eurocup-3 Championship in 2025 and is currently 13th in the standings.

    In 2021 he took part in the F4 Danish Championship where he finished 3rd overall with 2 wins, and 8 podiums to his name.

    Last year he took part in the Eurocup-3 where he finished 5th overall with 4 podiums to his campaign.

    Speaking about his confirmation for 2026, Fittipaldi Jr said that it was a huge opportunity, and that he was looking forward to working with AIX team.

    I am very much looking forward to this opportunity. Racing in the FIA Formula 2 is going to be a big learning curve for me. I will be competing against the best drivers in the world, so it will be an honour to be racing against all of them on the race track. My expectations are that I will be learning a lot, every single day and every single week.
    Emerson Fittipaldi Jr on the news.

  • Cassidy to leave Jaguar TCS Racing

    Jaguar TCS Racing have confirmed that Nick Cassidy will leave the team at the end of the 2024/2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship by mutual agreement.

    Cassidy’s Season 10 total of 176 points – including two wins, six podiums, five fastest laps and a pole position – were instrumental in Jaguar TCS Racing winning the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E Teams’ World Championship, Jaguar’s first World Championship as a manufacturer since 1991.

    Cassidy has scored six wins, a further seven podiums, seven fastest laps and two poles in Jaguar colours, totalling 278 points this season.

    The team thanked Cassidy for “his incredible work ethic, relentless determination to win and of course, his outright speed”.

    It has not been confirmed where Cassidy will be heading for next season, but has confirmed he will be on the grid!

    Nick is an exceptional racing driver and a very astute competitor as the world can see from his performances. He has impressed everyone in the team with his unwavering dedication to win and I’m proud of the role he’s played in our team success. On behalf of the whole team, I’d like to thank Nick and wish him all the best for a successful future – starting of course with the final race weekend of the 2024/2025 Season in London, where together we’ll still be fighting as hard as ever for points, podiums and wins.
    James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal.

    The decision to leave Jaguar TCS Racing has not been an easy one, but ultimately it is the right one for me personally. I’d like to thank everyone at the team for their support since I joined at the beginning of Season 10. We have fought hard and had some great success together. I particularly want to thank the engineers and mechanics on the #37 side of the garage – we’ve made some amazing memories!
    Cassidy on the news.

  • Who could Cadillac pick for 2026?

    With having Cadillac joining the grid next year, there are two new spots which need to be filled but who is going to fill them?

    As you’d expect the American squad have been inundated with calls from drivers and managers enquiring about a job and that led to the team compiling a long-list that ran to 15 names at one point.

    That list, has slimmed down to just a handful, and while the team aren’t in a rush to confirm their line-up, they are starting to zero in on what they want, so whose in the running?

    Valtteri Bottas

    Bottas is a driver who could bring a wealth of experience to the Graeme Lowdon-led team from 2026 onwards.
    The Finnish driver made his F1 debut in 2013 with Williams after serving as the test and reserve driver for the Grove outfit since 2010.

    He moved to Mercedes in 2017 for a successful five-year stint with the Brackley squad, driving alongside seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton.
    2021 saw Bottas join Alfa Romeo / Sauber where he stayed for three seasons.

    He currently serves as Mercedes reserve driver, with Team Principal Toto Wolff sharing his support for Bottas to return to a full-time racing seat.

    Sergio Perez

    The Mexican driver was replaced at Red Bull at the end of 2024 by Liam Lawson, who stepped into the RB21 seat alongside Max Verstappen for 2025 but was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after two race weekends.

    In addition to his four-year stint with Milton Keynes team, Perez has previously driven for Sauber, McLaren and Force India after making his debut in 2011.

    The 35 year old has been keen to return to the championship after his Red Bull exit, albeit only “for the right project”. Over his 14 year career in F1, he collected six grand prix wins, three pole positions, 39 podium finishes and 12 fastest laps.

    Mich Schumacher

    Schumacher has also been linked to the Cadillac team. The German driver previously drove for Haas in 2021 and 2022 before moving to Mercedes to serve as the reserve driver in 2023 and 2024.
    He now races in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

    Alex Dunne

    Most recently, Dunne has been linked to one of the Cadillac seats too. With the McLaren junior taking part in FP1 back in Austria where he ended up fourth fastest and within a tenth of Piastri.

    He is quickly becoming one of the brightest talents outside of F1 currently, and with both Piastri and Norris locked in for long-term contracts, McLaren must be looking else where for the junior.

    The Irish driver is currently competing in Formula 2 where he is 5th in the championship with 4 rounds left and 30 points between him and the championship leader…
    Dunne has also took part in Formula E as he has been McLaren’s reserve driver since January 2025 and taking part in the rookie practice at the Jeddah E-Prix and then the Berlin Rookie Test in July.

    Jak Crawford

    If Cadillac want to sign an American driver, it would be 20 year old Jak Crawford, who is enjoying his best Formula 2 campaign where he currently sits second in the championship!

    Hopefully it won’t be too long until we have at least one driver announced for the new team.

  • Hadjar signs for RB

    Isack Hadjar will be making his Formula 1 debut this year as he takes the final seat on the grid after agreeing a deal to become Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate at RB.

    Red Bull Junior, Hadjar impressed in his second season in Formula 2, he finished as runner-up to Kick Sauber bound Gabriel Bortoleto with Campos Racing.

    After Sergio Perez was confirmed to be parting ways with Red Bull ahead of the 2025 season, Liam Lawson stepped up from RB in his place meaning there was a vacancy at RB for Hadjar.
    Red Bull opted to make Hadjar the 19th driver promoted to F1 from their junior programme, which began back in 2001.

    He follows in the footsteps of four time world champions Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel as well as eight time race winner Daniel Ricciardo.

    I’m very excited to step into my new role at VCARB. This is huge for myself, my family and all the people who have believed in me from the beginning. The journey from karting through the ranks in single-seaters, to now being in Formula 1 is the moment I’ve working towards my whole life – it is the dream. I feel like I’m stepping into a whole new universe, driving a much faster car and racing with the best drivers in the world. It’ll be a huge learning curve, but I’m ready to work hard and do the best I can for the team. I look forward to working with and learning from Yuki. I’ve always looked up to him, he went through the Red Bull junior programme like myself and we’ve shared a similar path to F1. He’s very experienced and will be good to learn from.
    Hadjar on the news

    We’re excited to have Isack with us next year, bringing a new and fresh dynamic to the team alongside Yuki in 2025. His journey to Formula 1 has been nothing short of outstanding. He has shown remarkable growth, with a series of impressive results in the junior single-seater ranks. He has the talent and drive necessary to compete at the highest level, and we have every confidence that he will adapt quickly and make a significant impact. I believe Isack and Yuki will make a great team. Yuki brings invaluable experience to the team. He’s shown incredible resilience and maturity, which will be crucial for the team as we strive to hit all our aims and objectives in 2025.
    Team Principal, Laurent Mekies.

    Firstly, we must congratulate Liam for his step up to Red Bull Racing. As a sister team and as an incubator for Formula 1 talent, our strategic objective is to foster and nurture our drivers in preparation for this next step. With his move and by bringing Isack into VCARB, it’s a testament to our longstanding commitment to develop the best young drivers in motorsport, as well as proof of concept of the Red Bull junior programme. Having a younger driver supports our mission to speak to a younger audience, so we look forward to bringing new and existing fans on the journey with us.
    CEO, Peter Bayer.

  • Perez and Red Bull part ways

    Sergio Perez and Red Bull have reached an agreement to part ways with immediate effect.

    Last year, Perez signed a new deal to race for the team until the end of 2026 – on the back of his strongest season ever in 2023, when he finished second to team mate and champion Max Verstappen.

    However, his form wasn’t the same after signing that deal, the Mexican driver scored only nine points in the last eight Grand Prix weekends of the 2024 season.

    He finished the season in eighth in the drivers’ championship with Red Bull failing to defend their constructors’ championship and seeing out the season in P3 behind champions McLaren and runners-up Ferrari.

    Throughout the difficult period and many rumours, Perez remained resolute that he would race for the team this year, but following discussions with Red Bull they’ve agreed to split after four years together.

    During his time at Red Bull Perez secured five wins, including victory in Monaco, over 90 starts with the team and also played a key role in Red Bull winning the constructors’ championship in 2022 and 2023.

    I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team. Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way. A big thank you to every person in the team from the management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes, I wish you all the best for the future. It has also been an honour to race alongside Max as a team mate all these years and to share in our success. A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember… never give up.
    Perez on the news.

    I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons. From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two constructors’ titles and to our first one-two finish in the drivers’ championship. His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit. While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.
    Christian Horner on the news.

  • Trident sign Esterson for 2025

    Trident have announced that Max Esterson will continue racing with the team for the 2025 Formula 2 campaign, which is their first confirmed driver signing for next season.

    Esterson stepped up to F2 in Lusail with Trident after completing his first full season of Formula 3 with Jenzer Motorsport.

    He achieved two-point scoring finishes across the campaign, including in his debut Sprint Race in Sakhir, also achieving a front row start at Silverstone.

    Prior to F3, Esterson began his racing career on iRacing, before making the switch to Formula Ford in the UK and winning the Formula Ford Festival in 2022.

    I am thrilled to be able to compete in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Trident Motorsport. Participating in the Lusail race last weekend and the Abu Dhabi final are very useful in this regard. I think I have already understood many aspects of the category. Together with the technical staff, I will work hard this winter to make 2025 a great year. I would like to thank the team, my fans and my family for all their work and support that have allowed me to be where I am today.
    Esterson on the news.

    We are very pleased to announce that Max Esterson will compete in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship with Trident Motorsport. He is a driver we met two years ago, we have followed him very carefully and we have seen him making remarkable progress. This year, Max has proven to be extremely competitive in his debut in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. I am confident that he has all the qualities to do a good job with the technical staff and be competitive in 2025.
    Giacomo Ricci, Trident Team Manager.

  • Nina Gademan enters F1 Academy with Alpine

    Nina Gademan will be making her full-time F1 Academy debut this year, with Alpine announcing that the Dutch racer will be representing them on the grid.

    The 21 year old becomes the third Wild Card driver to make the step up after an impressive performance during Round 4 in Zandvoort.
    Gademan secured P4 and P10 finishes, earning her 13 points on home soil – the first Wild Card entry to do so.

    Prior to this, she won the 2019 FIA Motorsport Games Karting Slalom Cup for Team Netherlands.
    This year saw Gademan make her single-seater debut competing in the F4 British Championship, scoring her first rookie podium during Round 4 at Thruxton.

    I am incredibly proud to be representing BWT Alpine Formula One Team in the 2025 F1 ACADEMY season. This is a moment I once thought might never come, and it is a dream come true. Having the support of a team with such an incredible legacy means the world to me. I am deeply grateful for Alpine’s trust and belief in me, and I can’t wait to make the 2025 season an unforgettable chapter in this journey.
    Gademan on the news.

    We are happy to have Nina coming on board as our F1 ACADEMY driver selection for the 2025 season. It was great to see her step up into single seaters at the start of 2024 and to claim points on her F1 ACADEMY debut as the Wild Card in Zandvoort. We are excited to see what she can do in the series next year. Nina will be a fantastic addition to our line-up of junior drivers, and we look forward to working with her throughout 2025.
    Oliver Oakes, Alpine Team Principal.

  • Verschoor switches to MP Motorsport

    MP Motorsport have announced that Richard Verschoor will complete the 2024 FIA Formula 2 season with the team, and confirmed he will race for them in 2025.

    The Dutch driver returns to the team he made his Formula 2 debut with back in 2021, replacing Dennis Hauger for the final two rounds of the current season.

    Verschoor has achieved four race wins across his F2 career, and earned a further eight podium finishes, with four of those coming in 2024.

    Previously, the Dutch combination won the Macau FIA F3 World Cup back in 2019 and ahead of his return to the MP cockpit in Lusail.

    Signing up with MP for more Formula 2 feels like coming home. I spent half of my entire racing career with MP, so it means a lot to me that we are able to move forward together for 2025 while also adding the two final 2024 rounds at Losail and Yas Marina. It’s been a partnership that has led to success in Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula 2, including that legendary victory at Macau. I can’t wait to travel to Qatar and go back to working with the team once again.
    Verschoor on the news.

    I’m extremely happy to welcome back Richard for another season in Formula 2. We have celebrated many wins together, so it’s a true privilege to tap into his wealth of Formula 2 knowledge as we head towards a new season. Richard returning to the MP fold is testament to the way we go racing as a family, and he has always fitted right in. Meanwhile, I would like to thank Dennis for his huge contribution to the team in the past two F2 seasons. Three wins, nine podiums and two poles is no mean feat, and I am certain that he will take his career to a new level in North America.
    MP Motorsport Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.

  • Kick Sauber confirm Bortoleto for 2025

    Brazilian racer Gabriel Bortoleto will be making his Formula 1 debut in 2025 after signing a multi-year deal with Sauber / Audi, with the team confirming that they are parting ways with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.

    Bortoleto fended off competition from 10 time race winner Bottas to secure the seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg in an all new lineup for the Hinwil based team next season and in 2026 when the team become Audi’s work squad.

    The 20 year old reigning F3 Champion from 2023 is currently leading the F2 Championship with two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to go.

    He signed for Fernando Alonso’s driver management company A14 in 2022 and last year joined the McLaren driver programme, which gave him his first taste of F1 machinery with a test at the Red Bull Ring in a 2022 spec McLaren.

    Bortoleto has impressed with his consistency in F2 this year with Invicta Racing, scoring two wins and three further podiums to lead Isack Hadjar by 4.5 points.

    His Sauber/Audi deal will make him the fourth full-time rookie on the 2025 grid, joining Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Haas’ Ollie Bearman.

    He is also the first full time Brazilian Grand Prix driver since Felipe Massa, who retired at the end of 2017. His appearance comes after countryman Pietro Fittipaldi subbed in for Romain Grosjean for two Grands Prix in 2020.

    Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver. We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi. Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.
    Sauber COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto.

    This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports. Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour. Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow with this ambitious project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico. Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together, we will write our own success story.
    Bortoleto on the news.

    Led by Mattia, Audi’s Formula 1 project is making great progress in many areas. The signing of the second driver is another milestone. We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula One, with young drivers immediately making an impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.
    Chairman of the Board of Sauber Motorsport AG Gernot Dollner.

  • Bruno Del Pino joins MP for 2025

    MP Motorsport have confirmed their second driver for next season, with Bruno Del Pino joining the Dutch team for the 2025 season.

    Del Pino took part in post-season testing for the team, finishing the second test in Barcelona seventh overall and as the lead MP driver.
    He joins Tim Tramnnitz as being confirmed for the 2025 season.

    Del Pino raced for MP in the Eurocup-3 series for the past two years and is currently third in the Standings with seven race victories to his name along with one pole position and three fastest laps.

    Speaking about his promotion to F3 with the team, Del Pino said he was very excited to get started on a new challenge.

    It’s fantastic news that I’m graduating to Formula 3, and it couldn’t be with a better team than MP Motorsport. In my two years with the team, they have made me feel at home in an environment that has helped me to get the best out of myself. It was wonderful to bag our first wins together this season, and it’s with these positive conditions that we will continue our successful collaboration, as we embark on a fresh challenge in F3.
    Del Pino on the news.

    I’m delighted to welcome Bruno in our in our 2025 FIA F3 line-up to partner Tim. Bruno deciding to stay us is testament to the family atmosphere at MP, and further proof of our motto of accelerating talent. This year, he has been a revelation in Eurocup-3, and it’s our goal to transfer that form to the new F3 car for 2025. In the process, Bruno has shown that Eurocup-3 is a viable route into Formula 3, where I’m certain he will flourish.
    MP Motorsport Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.

  • Boya sticks with Campos for 2025

    Campos Racing have confirmed Mari Boya as their first driver for the 2025 FIA Formula 3 season.
    The Spaniard will remain with the team for what will be his third campaign in the Championship.

    Boya earned his maiden F3 victory this year, achieving P1 on home soil in the Barcelona Sprint Race. He wound up 15th in the Drivers’ Championship, earning nine top 10 finishes across the season.

    Prior to his most recent season with Campos, Boya entered FIA F3 in 2023 with MP Motorsport, where he achieved five top 10 finishes and a podium in his rookie campaign.

    Looking ahead to next year, Boya said he was very happy to be continuing with Campos Racing in 2025, adding that he was confident after spending a season with the team.

    I am excited to face my second season with Campos Racing. After a first year of learning and adaptation, I feel more than ready and eager to contribute to the fullest. We have worked hard as a group and I am confident that together we will achieve our goals by always giving our best in every opportunity that comes our way.
    Boya on the news.

    We are thrilled to have a driver like Mari in our team for another season. Next year will be a tough challenge for everyone, considering the introduction of the new F3 car. Therefore, it will be crucial to have talented and experienced drivers who can help understand and develop the car to achieve results as quickly as possible. We are confident it will be a great season together and we will work towards many more victories with the new racing car.
    Adrian Campos Jr, Team Principal.

  • Guenther to drive for DS PENSKE

    DS PENSKE have confirmed that Maximilian Guenther will drive for the team from Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    The German driver joins DS PENSKE’s double champion Jean-Eric Vergne driving for the team through the 2024/25 campaign.

    Guenther first joined the team in Season 4, when team owner Jay Penske offered him a debut seat in the championship.

    Since then, the 27 year old has gone on to secure five wins and 10 podiums across 83 races since, representing the likes of BMW Andretti and Maserati along the way.

    Guenther’s teammate Vergne holds a number of records – including for most points scored in Formula E history, the Frenchman having been a part of 130 of 132 races since Season 1.

    The team sealed four podiums and third place in the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, improving two berths on Season 9’s result.

    I’m very happy to be joining DS PENSKE. A powerhouse in the championship and a project with strong vision. We share the same ambitions and are all driven to be at the top of Formula E. Representing DS Performance, a manufacturer which has won several championships already is a real privilege. Same for being teammate with a champion like Jean-Eric Vergne, it’s something I really look forward to. A very special element for me is to drive for Jay’s team again, he brought me into the championship when I was 20 years old. I’m proud to be part of the team and excited of what we will build together in the future.
    Guenther on the news.

    Having Max on the team feels right. His calm under the pressure and make bold moves on the track will be a huge asset to the team. We share a common goal to push the team to the top of the standings. With our combined skills and determination, I am looking forward to a thrilling season ahead!
    Vergne on Guenther joining the team.

    I am very excited to welcome Max back to DS PENSKE. His undeniable talent makes him a perfect fit for our ambitious objectives this season. His race craft is extraordinary, he combines a cool,  strategic mindset with a fierce determination on track. Competing alongside Jean-Eric Vergne, the talented driver with most front-row positions last season, we are more driven than ever to achieve our championship goals. PENSKE AUTOSPORT concluded Season 10 of Formula E with a solid third place in the Teams’ championship. The Team is eager to build on past successes and continue their pursuit of excellence in the series’.
    Penske on the news.

  • Antonelli confirmed for 2025

    Mercedes have officially announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be George Russell’s team mate for 2025, with the Italian stepping up from F2 to replace Ferrari bound Lewis Hamilton.

    The Silver Arrows have been mulling the identity of who would race for them next season after Hamilton told them he was leaving at the end of the season to join Ferrari.

    But on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix and just a day after Antonelli, 18, made his FP1 debut with the team at his home event in Monza, they announced the news.

    Antonelli has had a stellar junior career, as he rapidly climbed through the ranks. After winning the ADAC and Italian F4 titles in 2022 and Formula Regional European Championship in 2023, the Mercedes junior skipped F3 and entered Formula 2 with PREMA this season.

    He has won two races and currently lies 6th in the championship. The 18 year old has dovetailed competing in F2 with a testing programme in old-spec F1 machinery with Mercedes.

    In stepping up to F1, it now means both drivers in Mercedes’ 2025 line-up have graduated from their junior programme – with Russell set for his fourth season with the Silver Arrows having joined the junior squad in 2017.

    The Italian is expected to get another run for Mercedes in FP1 this year, with the team considering doing it in Mexico.

    It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025. Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy; I want to thank the team for the support they’ve given me in my career so far and the faith they’ve shown in me. I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team. I’m also really excited to become George’s team-mate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for. He is super-fast, a multiple Grand Prix winner, and has already helped me improve as a driver. I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track.
    Antonelli on the news.

    Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth and out-and-out raw speed. We are excited about what George and Kimi bring to the team both as individual drivers, but also as a partnership. Our new line-up is perfect to open the next chapter in our story. It is also a testament to the strength of our junior programme and our belief in home-grown talent. George has proved that he is one of the very best drivers in the world. He is not only fast, consistent, and determined, but has also developed into a strong leader within the team. Kimi has consistently shown the talent and speed needed to compete at the very top of our sport. We know it will be another big step up, but he has impressed us in his F1 testing this year and we will be supporting him every step of the way in the learning process. In George, he has an experienced team-mate from which he can learn and hone his craft. I am confident that both will contribute greatly as we continue to build momentum and fight at the front of the field.
    Toto Wolff on the junior driver stepping up.

    I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme. I look forward to using the experience I’ve gained from my own journey to provide guidance to Kimi as he makes the step up to F1. I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his team-mate. I’ve learned so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi. As a team, we’re building a lot of positive momentum heading into next year. We continue to make progress on track and are working hard to put all the pieces in place to fight for world championships. It is a really exciting journey we are on; I am confident Kimi and I can continue to push the team forward and help deliver on the promise we are showing.
    Russell on the news.

  • Colapinto replaces Sargeant for the rest of 2024

    Williams have announced that academy driver and F2 racer Franco Colapinto will contest the remainder of the season with the squad, replacing Logan Sargeant as Alex Albon’s team mate from the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

    Colapinto joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy early in 2023 and made his FP1 debut with the F1 team at this year’s British Grand Prix – giving him an initial taste of the FW46.

    A race winner in an array of categories on the junior single-seater scene, the 21 year old had been contesting his second season in the F2 feeder championship, holding sixth in the 2024 standings with a race win and two second-place finishes to his name.

    He will become the first Argentine driver in F1 for 23 years, after Gaston Mazzacane’s last appearances for Prost back in 2001, and only the second Argentine to drive for Williams, following on from his countryman Carlos Reutemann.

    In their press release, Williams took the opportunity “to thank Logan Sargeant for his hard work and contribution over the past two seasons” adding he “will remain in the Williams family and we will support him to continue his racing career.”

    It comes after a particularly challenging run for the American, who crashed his updated Williams at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, a few weeks on from confirmation that he will be replaced by Carlos Sainz next year.

    It is an honour to be making my Formula 1 debut with Williams – this is what dreams are made of. The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part of. The team has such amazing history and a mission to get back to the front which I can’t wait to be part of.
    Colapinto on the news.

    To replace a driver mid-season is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we believe this gives Williams the best chance to compete for points over the remainder of the season. We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle.We have just brought a large upgrade to the car and need to maximise every points-scoring opportunity in a remarkably tight midfield battle. We also believe in investing in our young drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and Franco is getting a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate what he is capable of across the final nine rounds of the season. This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams, and we want to thank him for all his hard work and positive attitude. Logan remains a talented driver and we will support him to continue his racing career for the future. I know that Franco has great speed and huge potential, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in Formula 1.
    Williams Team Principal, James Vowles.

  • Doohan promoted to F1 with Alpine

    Alpine have announced that current reserve driver, Jack Doohan, will complete their line-up for the 2025 season – who is replacing Esteban Ocon as Pierre Gasly’s team mate.

    Australian racer Doohan, 21, has been part of Alpine’s dedicated academy since 2022, moving over to the operation after parting ways with the Red Bull junior set-up.

    Son of former 500cc motorcycle world champion, Mick, he placed third in last year’s F2 championship with three race wins, adding to a runner-up classification in the 2021 F3 standings.

    Doohan has been linked to a potential promotion with Alpine throughout the 2024 season, with those rumours stepping up a gear in the wake of the news that Ocon is moving to Haas.

    The Australian has racked up plenty of mileage in F1 machinery with Alpine over the last couple of years to prepare for an opening, completing a host of private tests and appearing in six FP1 sessions to date – Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023, and Canada and Britain earlier this year.

    Alpine added that Doohan will continue his role as reserve driver for the remaining of the season, taking part in regular tests with the 2022-spec A522 F1 car, as well as duties in the team’s simulator on select race weekends.

    I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team. I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management. There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up. It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality. It’s an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.
    Doohan on the news.

    We are very excited to promote Jack into the race seat from next season and, in doing so, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skill and talent in Formula 1. Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway. Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential. He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team. Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination between youthful energy, experience, and pure speed. We look forward to working with both Jack and Pierre in order to keep developing the car and bring the team up the grid.
    Oliver Oakes, Alpine’s Team Principal.

  • 2025 Drivers Confirmed so far

    The driver market kicked in early this year, all thanks to Lewis Hamilton making his way to Ferrari which was a shock no-one really saw coming, and it has shaken the drivers market up quite a bit.

    Summer break is normally where everything seems quiet, but rumours are flying everywhere, however it was quite a quiet one this year. But now we’re back racing for the second half of the season this seats will soon be announced!

    So let’s see what drivers are confirmed for 2025!

    Red Bull-

    Max Verstappen
    Sergio Perez

    Red Bull is sticking with the same driver line-up for a fifth-successive season for 2025, having announced Sergio Perez will continue to partner three-time champion Max Verstappen, whose contract runs until 2028.

    Ferrari-

    Charles Leclerc
    Lewis Hamilton

    Ferrari’s audacious and successful move to lure Hamilton away from Mercedes kicked the 2025 F1 driver market into gear before the 2024 campaign had even begun.

    Seven time world champion, Hamilton joins Charles Leclerc at the team, with Leclerc having been announced on a deal covering “several more seasons” in January.

    Mercedes-

    George Russell

    With Hamilton’s departure means George Russell is at present the only confirmed Mercedes drivers for 2025, after which his contract expires.

    The team is keen to promote Kimi Antonelli – who is currently competing for Prema in Formula 2.

    McLaren-

    Lando Norris
    Oscar Piastri

    McLaren was the first team to have its 2025 line-up locked in.
    Lando Norris is contracted at the team he’s spent his entire top-level career with until at least the end of 2026.
    As is his team-mate Oscar Piastri who will be part of an unchanged line-up for a third year in a row in 2025.

    Aston Martin-

    Fernando Alonso
    Lance Stroll

    Aston Martin is one of three teams that will boast an F1 champion in its 2025 line-up, as 42 year old Fernando Alonso ruled himself out of the silly season early by committing his future to the team with which he scored eight podiums last season.

    At the end of June, the team confirmed a new deal for Lance Stroll that will keep him at the team through the first year of F1’s next rules in 2026.

    Alpine-

    Pierre Gasly

    Alpine confirmed a “new multi-year” deal for Gasly that should extend beyond the end of 2025 just before the Austrian Grand Prix.

    Esteban Ocon is obviously leaving the team, that means there is one seat remaining at Alpine, which is yet to be confirmed.

    Williams-

    Alex Albon
    Carlos Sainz

    Williams has tied down Alex Albon – who’s scored all but five of the teams 38 points in the ground effect era.
    That vision has clearly impressed Carlos Sainz, who eventually picked Williams as his post-Ferrari destination.

    RB-

    Yuki Tsunoda

    Red Bull officially exercised its option to keep Yuki Tsunoda at RB for 2025 ahead of the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, but there is still a question mark over his team-mate.

    Perez’s new deal marked the official end of Daniel Ricciardo’s chance of returning to the main team, though his hopes have gradually faded during what has been a flat start to 2024.

    Red Bull also has to find Liam Lawson a driver otherwise he is contractually free to race for another team if he doesn’t get a seat with them in 2025.

    Sauber-

    Nico Hulkenberg

    Nico Hulkenberg’s career revival at Haas has been impressive enough to catch the eye of Sauber for the 2025 season ahead of the team’s rebirth as the factory Audi team for 2026.

    The identity of his team-mate isn’t yet known, but it seems all but certain it won’t be either of Sauber’s current driver, Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu.

    Haas-

    Ollie Bearman
    Esteban Ocon

    Hulkenberg’s exit left Haas with two vacancies for 2025 as his team-mate Kevin Magnussen is also out of contract at the end of the year.

    But it was announced on the eve of the British GP weekend that Ferrari protege Ollie Bearman will make his F1 graduation in 2025.

    Hass then confirmed prior to the Hungarian GP that Magnussen would not be retained, with one week later it confirmed Ocon will replace him on a multi-year deal with the team.

  • Andretti signs Mueller for Season 11

    Nico Mueller will be making the switch to Andretti for the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship campaign.

    Mueller joins ahead of Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship alongside confirmed teammate and Season 9 World Champion, Jake Dennis.

    The Swiss driver joins the team following Norman Nato’s exit piloting the Andretti Porsche 99X Electric machine in his fifth season of Formula E competition as the series enters its GEN3 Evo era.

    Mueller finished Season 10 strong with a streak of four top-six finishes to round out his fourth Formula E campaign and best finish in the Drivers’ World Championship standings.

    Outperforming the machinery underneath him on more than once occasion, with his former ABT CUPRA teammate and Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi scoring only four points to Mueller’s 52.

    In his 46 Formula E starts, the 32 year old has one podium finish (Valencia, Season 7) two fastest laps and has led 13 laps.
    In addition to his Formula E success dating back to his official rookie test in Marrakesh, Mueller has served as an official Audi factory driver, won the prestigious Nurburgring 24h and fought for the DTM title twice (2019, 2020) winning nine races and standing on the podium 24 times.

    Adding to the Swiss driver’s varied racing career, he has also competed in the World Endurance Championship, World Rallycross, GT Series and Stock Car racing.

    I’m very excited to join the Andretti Formula E Team. It’s a team that has seen success from the very beginning of the championship, particularly in the GEN3 era in their partnership with Porsche Motorsport. To work with Jake, a former World Champion is an honour and I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m going to give it my very best to contribute to the team’s success and hopefully aim for some podiums and my first Formula E win – that’s the target. I can’t wait to get going.
    Mueller on the news.

  • Who is Andrea Kimi Antonelli?

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been brought into a lot of conversations the past couple of months, so shall we spread some light on who he is?

    Mercedes protege, Kimi Antonelli has been the talk of the Formula 1 paddock since the Miami GP – with some suggesting his arrival in the sport is imminent while others say there’s no rush.

    The Italian driver is the reigning Formula Regional European champion, backed by Mercedes, who has performed so strongly that he has skipped F3 and gone straight to F2 this season with Prema.

    Alongside his F2 duties, Mercedes have carefully crafted a Formula 1 acclimatisation programme for Antonelli, which began with a run in a 2021-spec Mercedes in Austria and was then followed up with a run in the 2022 Mercedes at Imola.

    Several more tests are planned across the year, with the focus on getting the 17 year old plenty of mileage in F1 machinery to prepare him as best as they can for a step up to F1 at some point.

    Mercedes do not want to rush Antonelli into Formula 1 and risk damaging a talent so good, he has been likened to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton at this stage of his career.

    However, things have changed since Hamilton told Mercedes he was leaving a year earlier than planned to join Ferrari.
    This then forced the Silver Arrows to consider the possibility of bringing Antonelli into F1 at least a year earlier than they had ever contemplated.

    Then in Miami, the prospect of Antonelli making his debut in Formula 1 this season was raised when it emerged that governing body the FIA had received a request to give the Italian – who already has the 40 Super Licence points to race in F1 – dispensation to race in the championship before he turns 18 which he will do on August 25th of this year.

    There was rumours for the Italian to be brought in halfway through this season but for Williams and Logan Sargeant if he isn’t performing.
    But Mercedes priority will be to stick to the plan with Antonelli and prepare him properly and then guide him into Formula 1 and nurture what could be an incredible talent.

    How do you think Antonelli will get on for his first possible year in F1?

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and PREMA Racing walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of Round 9 Budapest of the Formula 2 Championship at...

  • Nato and Andretti part ways

    Andretti has announced that Norman Nato will be leaving the team.
    Nato joined Andretti for Season 10, making the move from Nissan.

    The Frenchman secured a season-best result of third place his first and only podium for the American team on Formula E’s return to Shanghai in May.

    Nato finished the season in 15th in the Drivers’ World Championship on 47 points. Eight positions and 75 points lower than teammate Dennis managed.

    The team have indicated that they will make its 2024/25 line-up clear in the next few days, with Season 9 Champion Jake Dennis now set to be partnered by a fresh driver to the team.

    However, Andretti is a Porsche customer team, and it is rumoured that Mueller is expected to move to the manufacturer after testing with it earlier in the year.
    He subsequently left both ABT Cupra in Formula E, and vacated his Peugeot seat in the World Endurance Championship.

  • Sainz signs for Williams

    Carlos Sainz has committed his future to Williams with the Spaniard agreeing a multi-year deal to race alongside Alex Albon.

    The 29 year old has been on the look out for a seat for next season since he lost his Ferrari drive to Lewis Hamilton.

    However, Sainz has had no shortage of teams, with Williams, Sauber/Audi and Alpine all keen to get his signature – but it was James Vowles’ Williams project that ultimately got the Spaniard’s seal of approval.

    He will race for the British team for 2025 and 2026, giving Williams continuity across a major regulation change that will see a new aerodynamic profile and sweeping new power unit rules that include the use of 100% sustainable fuel.

    With the confirmation that Sainz will be joining the Grove outfit, it also means that Logan Sargeant will be vacating the Williams seat for next year with the team saying they “will give Logan every support as he looks to continue his racing career for 2025 and into the future.”

    I am very happy to announce that I will be joining Williams Racing from 2025 onwards. It is no secret that this year’s driver market has been exceptionally complex for various reasons and that it has taken me some time to announce my decision. However, I am fully confident that Williams is the right place for me to continue my F1 journey and I am extremely proud of joining such a historic and successful team, where many of my childhood heroes drove in the past and made their mark on our sport. The ultimate goal of bringing Williams back to where it belongs, at the front of the grid, is a challenge that I embrace with excitement and positivity. I am convinced that this team has all the right ingredients to make history again and, starting on January 1, I will give my absolute best to drive Williams forward alongside every single member of the team. I want to thank James Vowles and the entire Board of Williams for their trust and determination. Their solid leadership and convictions have played an important role in my decision-making. I truly believe that the core of every successful team lies amongst their people and their culture. Williams is synonymous with heritage and pure racing, the foundations of the project that lies ahead of us are very strong and I am really looking forward to being part of it starting next year.
    Sainz on the news.

    Carlos joining Williams is a strong statement of intent from both parties. Carlos has demonstrated time and again that he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid, with race-winning pedigree, and this underlines the upwards trajectory we are on. Carlos brings not just experience and performance, but also a fierce drive to extract every millisecond out of the team and car; the fit is perfect. In Alex and Carlos we will have one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid and with huge experience to guide us into the new regulations in 2026. Their belief in this organisation’s mission demonstrates the magnitude of the work going on behind the scenes. People should be in no doubt about our ambition and momentum as we continue our journey back to competitiveness – we are here, we are serious and with Dorilton’s backing we are investing in what it takes to return to the front of the grid.I also want to thank Logan for everything he has done for the team and know he will continue to fight hard for us in the races ahead.
    Vowles on Carlos signing for the team.

  • Haas confirm Ocon for 2025

    Haas have signed Alpine’s Esteban Ocon on a multi-year contract to partner rookie Ollie Bearman in 2025.

    The team announced last week that Kevin Magnussen would be leaving at the end of the season, leaving a vacant seat that was widely believed to have been allocated to 27 year old Ocon.

    On Thursday in Belgium, ahead of the final race before the break and at the track where Ocon first made his F1 debut in 2016.
    Haas announced Ocon would become the first Grand Prix winner to race one of their cars since they entered the sport in 2016.

    Ocon has 146 career starts under his belt and has driven for Manor, Force India, Renault and Alpine – scoring 425 points in that period including three podiums, one of which was his maiden win in Hungary in 2021.

    The Frenchman has know Haas Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu a while, as the Japanese boss engineered Ocon in his first F1 test back in 2014, with Lotus (which now operates under the Alpine banner) at Valencia.

    I’m delighted we’ve secured Esteban Ocon’s services for Haas. I’ve obviously been aware of his talents for a long time and our personal history dates back to Esteban’s maiden run in a Formula 1 car – I was his race engineer that day with Lotus. He displayed his talents back then coming off the back of strong performances in the junior categories – he’d just won the 2014 European Formula 3 Championship. Esteban’s gone on to become an established talent in Formula 1 and of course a Grand Prix winner. The experience he brings, not just from his own talent base but also from working for a manufacturer team, will be advantageous to us in our growth as an organisation. It was vital we had a driver with experience in beside Oliver Bearman next year, but Esteban’s only 27 – he’s still young with a lot to prove as well. I think we have a hungry, dynamic driver pairing and I look forward to welcoming Esteban into Haas for 2025.
    Ayao Komatsu on the news.

    It was important to me that we have a driver with a known pedigree in Formula 1, and as a Grand Prix winner, Esteban undoubtedly fits that brief. Esteban’s proved himself in the teams he’s raced for as someone who’s continually in the mix and scoring points – it’s that continuity we’re keen to capitalise on as we look for increased performance gains on-track. We have a blend of youth and experience in our future driver line-up and I’m excited to see the results.
    Owner, Gene Haas on the news.

    I’ll be joining a very ambitious racing team, whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory has really impressed me. I’d like to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for their trust and support, and for our honest and fruitful discussions these last few months. On a more personal note, I’m very happy to be working with Ayao again, as he’s been a part of my debut when I first stepped into a Formula 1 car during my Lotus Junior days more than 10 years ago. Haas has exciting plans and clear targets for the future, and I’m very much looking forward to working with everyone in Kannapolis, Banbury and Maranello, and being part of this great project.
    Ocon on the news.

  • Lawson vs Ricciardo

    Red Bull’s Formula 1 advisor, Helmut Marko has hinted that Liam Lawson could replace Daniel Ricciardo at RB in 2025.

    RB’s announcement early last month that Yuki Tsunoda will be remaining with the team next season which has guaranteed that either Ricciardo or Lawson will miss out on a seat.

    While Ricciardo currently races for the team, the Australian driver has failed to extract consistent results and lies 9 points behind his teammate this season.
    So his struggles this year have dashed his chances of a dream return to the senior Red Bull team as Sergio Perez has been handed a multi-year contract extension.

    RB has admitted that retaining Ricciardo with Tsunoda would be its preference, but Marko has revealed that Red Bull shareholders are angling to see youth integrated.

    Lawson has completed several F1 outings as he deputised at five rounds last season when Ricciardo was sidelined with a broken metacarpal from a crash at Zandvoort.

    The New Zealander, who has been linked to Sauber, will be allowed to chase a move elsewhere should Red Bull not promote him, indicating Marko is referencing 2025.

    So, who will it be? Liam Lawson or Daniel Ricciardo in the VCARB… time will only tell.

    Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB looks on from the pitwall prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 30, 2024 in...

  • Ollie Bearman promoted to F1 with Haas

    Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman has secured a full-time seat in Formula 1 from 2025 after agreeing a multi-year deal with American team Haas.

    The 19 year old impressed the world of Formula 1 when he stood in at late notice for the unwell Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia. The Brit scored points on debut with a superb drive to seventh.

    Bearman is currently competing in F2 with PREMA and took his first win of the season and fourth of his career a few weekends ago in Austria in the Sprint Race.

    He dovetails those duties with his role as reserve drivers for Haas and Ferrari in Formula 1. He is also completing six FP1 appearances with Haas this year, the third of which was at Silverstone last weekend.

    With Nico Hulkenberg departing for Sauber/Audi next year and Kevin Magnussen’s contract expiring at the end of 2024, that leaves seat still up for grabs at Haas.

    Alpine’s Esteban Ocon is a leading contender for the seat, with Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas also believed to be under consideration. However, Magnussen could also fight his way into contention to keep his seat if he can consistently repeat performance like his one in Austria.

    t’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me. To say out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for Haas F1 Team makes me so immensely proud. To be one of the very few people who get to do the thing what they dreamed of as a child is something truly incredible. To Gene [Haas, team owner], Ayao [Komatsu, Haas Team Principal] and everyone at Haas, thank you for believing in me and for trusting me to represent your team. I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone since the first time we met in Mexico and I can’t wait to enjoy this moment with them and hopefully many more in the future. To everyone at the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, quite simply, I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for preparing me since F4 for this incredible opportunity and know I will give it everything I have.
    Bearman on the news.

    It’s an exciting thing to be able to give a young driver as talented as Oliver Bearman his first full-time seat in Formula 1. He’s developed into an incredibly mature driver under the guidance of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and the world saw that for themselves when he was called in at the last minute to compete at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Oliver proved he was more than ready for the task, and we’ve seen that for ourselves running him in the Haas cars in our FP1 sessions over the past two seasons. We’re looking forward to further developing him as a driver and reaping the benefits of his talent – both inside and outside of the car. Oliver’s a great guy and a very welcome addition to the team when he joins us for the FP1 weekends. Now we know that relationship is going to be longer-term, it’s a positive thing for all concerned.
    Haas Team Principal, Komatsu.

  • Aston Martin confirm Stroll

    Aston Martin have announced that Lance Stroll will continue to race for the team into the new era of F1 regulations in 2026, ending speculation over his future in Formula 1.

    It is the latest development in a fluid and fast-moving driver market, with Alpine also confirming Gasly earlier on.

    Stroll’s renewal with the Silverstone team comes after he hinted ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix that news of his plans would be following soon.

    Stroll first made his F1 debut with Williams back in 2017, where he spent two seasons at Grove before switching to Racing Point, which then became Aston Martin in 2021 following the team’s purchase by a consortium led by his father, Lawrence Stroll.

    This means that Aston Martin will keep the same driver line-up into a third campaign, as two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, recently signed his own contract renewal.

    I’m super happy to have committed to staying with the team for 2025 and beyond. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come in the last five years; we’ve grown so much as a team and there’s still so much more to look forward to.
    Stroll on the news.

    He has played a key role in building this team and his technical feedback, alongside his committed simulator work, has helped contribute to the continuous development of the car each season. The consistency and stability of both Lance and Fernando remaining with our team is a great platform to continue to realise our ambitions. We look forward to creating some incredible memories and achieving further success together.
    Mike Krack, Team Principal.