This recent development has significantly limited the choices available to Carlos Sainz as he searches for a new team following his replacement at Ferrari.
The decision made by Fernando Alonso to continue with Aston Martin beyond 2025 has had a major impact on the Formula 1 driver market.
As a result of this move, Carlos Sainz’s options have been notably restricted as he seeks a new team after being replaced at Ferrari.
According to Ben Anderson, a journalist on The Race Podcast, Alonso’s contract extension has affected several drivers, with five in particular facing uncertain futures in Formula 1 by 2025.
Throughout this season, we have witnessed a range of performances, with some drivers excelling and securing their positions, while others struggle to make an impression.
Certain teams, such as Alpine, are encountering difficulties and must upgrade their cars in order to avoid finishing last in the Constructors’ Championship.
However, Alpine’s current drivers, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, appear to be safe for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, drivers from Sauber and Haas, including American Logan Sargeant, are at risk of losing their spots. Sainz’s potential move to Red Bull or Mercedes could result in another driver being displaced.
Sargeant, in particular, has faced a challenging season, encountering technical issues and delivering poor performances, which raises the possibility of him being replaced mid-season by Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
In 2026, Sauber is set to become Audi, and they aim to strengthen their lineup before this transition takes place.
This strategic shift may force current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu to explore other opportunities for 2025.
On the other hand, Haas is showing signs of improvement, and the arrival of Oliver Bearman next year could put pressure on the current drivers to perform or face being replaced.
Anderson emphasized the competitiveness of the driver market and suggested that financial considerations are becoming less important for team decisions, particularly for Haas.
“I believe that now that Gene [Haas] seems willing to invest again, the importance of having a driver with money or commercial opportunities has diminished.
“So, I believe there are five drivers who are in a precarious position, and that includes Zhou. I think Sargeant will probably leave at the end of the season, so then it’s down to those four. I imagine Haas will keep either Magnussen or Hulkenberg, depending on who is performing better, unless Hulkenberg manages to secure a spot at Sauber because they couldn’t get their first choice. In that case, I think Magnussen’s position is strengthened as they would like the idea of having a reliable driver alongside [Ollie] Bearman, at least for one year in the short term.
“But Bottas would be an upgrade, so if he becomes available, he would be a good option for Haas if he chooses to go there.
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“Again, two of those drivers will definitely go. Sargeant is probably one of them, so it’s a matter of choosing the other.”
Among the drivers at risk, Nico Hulkenberg appears to be the least likely to lose his place, as he has performed exceptionally well this season, achieving notable qualifications and scoring points in multiple races.
Haas highly values his contribution and is likely to extend his contract beyond 2025. Audi has also expressed interest in Hulkenberg, considering him for their team as they prepare to join the grid.