F1 Driver Market Rumours from Imola Paddock
The Imola paddock has recently been gripped with speculation on the Formula 1 driver market for the 2025 season, with some significant changes on the horizon as teams and drivers consider their options and plan their next move. Here are the top stories from Imola.
Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?
After confirming that Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari at the end of this season, Mercedes will have a difficult task finding a suitable replacement. 17-year-old Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli was named as the leading candidate. Antonelli, who is in his first season in Formula 2 after skipping Formula 3, has impressed Mercedes with consistent and promising performances in his private F1 test.
Mercedes technical director James Allison praised Antonelli, describing him as “very promising” and highlighting his “metronomic” pace. Hamilton also showed support for the young driver and suggested the team invest in new talent. “If it was up to me, I would have picked Kim,” Hamilton said.
The future of Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz is a key player in the current driver market. The Spaniard has explored several options, including visits to the Red Bull and Alpine teams, and has been strongly linked with Sauber/Audi. Sainz has been offered a handsome fee to join Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, who will move to the Audi team in 2026. However, he is waiting to see if he can secure a seat at Red Bull or Mercedes before making a final decision.
With Sergio Perez looking to retain his place at Red Bull and promote Mercedes Antonelli, Sainz risks leaving a place in the top teams. In this case, Williams or Alpine are likely options for the three-time Grand Prix champion.
The situation at Williams
With Alex Albon committed to Williams, his focus has shifted to the identity of his 2025 teammate. Logan Sarge is under a lot of pressure after a difficult second season, and his position is in jeopardy. Antonelli could be an option to replace Sargent, but that will depend on Mercedes’ decision on an early promotion to the first team or a loan move to Williams.
If Williams decides on Antonelli, they will likely want a deal that lasts more than one season. Other options include Carlos Sainz and Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, both out of contract until 2025. So could Valtteri Bottas, who recently met with Williams team principal James Volls.
Meanwhile, Oliver Berman is increasingly looking for a full-time seat at Haas, which could leave Kevin Magnussen without a seat.
With so many variables at play, the F1 driver market is about to undergo major changes. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of many drivers and teams, and decisions made now will have a lasting impact on the 2025 season.
