The 2025 Formula 1 grid is complete. The final moves took place this week, with Sergio Perez announcing his Red Bull exit, Liam Lawson replacing him and Isack Hadjar filling the vacancy at RB.
Even before Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari, it was clear that the F1 driver market would be manic. More than half the field were out of contract coming into the season.
But Hamilton’s exit was still a seismic and unexpected twist. Carlos Sainz became the most desirable free agent out there – even if Mercedes and Red Bull thought otherwise – as Williams, Alpine and Sauber all clamoured for his signature.
In the end, it was Williams who won a protracted race. Toto Wolff turned to teenage talent Kimi Antonelli to succeed Hamilton instead.
McLaren and Aston Martin both retained their line-ups, but it was all change at Haas, who acquired Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. Nico Hulkenberg left the American squad to join Sauber, partnering F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
Jack Doohan replaced Ocon at Alpine – even before the 2024 season had finished. Doohan is one of five rookies on the grid, arguably six given that Lawson has yet to complete a full calendar.
Ralf Schumacher doesn’t understand how Jack Doohan secured Alpine drive
Speaking to Sky Germany, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher warned the drivers that there were more moves to come in the near future. Even after the influx of rookies, he says there are plenty of overlooked young talents applying pressure.
Indeed, the 2025 F1 rookies will be wary of Franco Colapinto, who’s currently set to be Williams reserve driver. While he suffered a spate of late accidents, he also showed formidable speed in his early outings for the team and stands out as a ‘plug and play’ option.
