The 2021 season is set to undergo some major changes that will shake-up the Formula 1 grid, with new teams (sort of) a new driver or two (perhaps) and definitely a shake-up of the driver market, with Sebastian Vettel’s confirmed move to Aston Martin Racing just one of a handful.
Let’s take a look at how the ’21 grid is shaping up and who might fill those nine vacant seats…
Confirmed Driver(s): Valtteri Bottas
The team has so far only confirmed Bottas on a one-year deal, though it’s inevitable Lewis Hamilton‘s new deal will be confirmed before the end of the season, with the soon-to-be seven-time F1 World Champion unlikely to be looking elsewhere given what’s available.
Confirmed Driver(s): Max Verstappen
Verstappen signed a long deal with Red Bull last year, but the identity of his team-mate remains an unknown. Alexander Albon is struggling, much like Pierre Gasly did before he was dumped mid-season. Will Red Bull stick with the Anglo-Thai racer and give him another chance in ’21? It looks increasingly likely, with few other viable candidates for the seat.
Confirmed Driver(s): Lando Norris & Daniel Ricciardo
McLaren has completed its driver line-up nice and early, although it was somewhat forced into the decision after Carlos Sainz Jr signed with Ferrari. The Woking team quickly sought the services of Daniel Ricciardo and many expect the pairing to do well, given their ‘brotherly’ relationship off-track.
McLaren will switch from Renault to Mercedes power, so plenty of change for the papaya squad to get to grips with over the winter.
Confirmed Driver(s): Sebastian Vettel
Shocker! Well, not really. Sebastian Vettel will race for a ‘new’ team in Aston Martin Racing which will takeover the Racing Point entry. Lawrence Stroll owns the F1 team and this year became a major shareholder in the British supercar company, so bringing James Bond’s car of choice into F1 is a development that makes total sense. A big name driver in Vettel also makes sense, even if it’s at the expense of the talented Sergio Perez.
The second seat has yet to be confirmed, but wouldn’t be surprised at all to hear that Lance Stroll will almost definitely keep his ride – he is of course the son of the team boss!
Confirmed Driver(s): Fernando Alonso & Esteban Ocon
Renault Alpine is another team that has wrapped up its drivers early. Fernando Alonso will return to the Enstone team he won both his world championships with, partnering current racer Esteban Ocon. The team will become Alpine next year as part of Renault’s efforts to relaunch the brand. You can learn more about that here.
Confirmed Driver(s): Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz Jr
Charles Leclerc, like Verstappen, recently signed a long-term deal which will see him stay at Ferrari for the foreseeable future. He will be joined by Sainz Jr in what is going to be an interesting line-up, for sure!
Confirmed Driver(s): None
AlphaTauri has yet to confirm either of its two drivers, but there’s no reward for guessing who’s almost certain to stay given his recent achievements in Italy. Pierre Gasly looks to be a shoe-in for the lead seat…unless of course he gets called back to Red Bull..? In that case, Albon would return to the ‘junior’ squad.
The identity of the second seat is more uncertain. Daniil Kvyat earned a reprieve after he was dumped in 2017, only to return in 2019. However, Red Bull and Honda junior Yuki Tsunoda is doing well in Formula 2 – he’s fourth in the standings and just a race win from the top – and could well earn his place at the F1 team next year.
Confirmed Driver(s): None
Alfa Romeo is another team which hasn’t confirmed a driver. Kimi Raikkonen‘s raced in F1 since 1908 and doesn’t look ready to stop…it is after all his hobby and he doesn’t need to be here (his words). But will that be enough for Alfa Romeo to keep the World Champion, because his results aren’t exactly wowing the team!
Same for Antonio Giovinazzi, who again has struggled to impress, although one might claim that’s a tough ask in a car which is just about hanging on to the rear of the midfield.
Ferrari has plenty of F2 juniors to choose for its seat at Alfa Romeo (yes, it chooses one driver, Alfa Sauber chooses the other). Robert Shwartzman is reportedly Fred Vasseur’s favourite, whilst Mick Schumacher is Ferrari’s.
Confirmed Driver(s): None
Neither Romain Grosjean or Kevin Magnussen know their future, given Haas has yet to sign a driver for next year. Magnussen looks likely to remain, but Grosjean’s future is less certain. Could Perez wind up at Haas, or perhaps further F2 promotions…Louis Deletraz is Haas’ test driver, whilst the team’s links to Ferrari could see a junior from the Scuderia’s academy promoted.
Confirmed Driver(s): George Russell & Nicholas Latifi
Williams will be on the grid next year and will still be called Williams, despite nobody by the name of Williams being in charge, after the family sold up and stepped down. The new owners, Dorilton Capital, have however promised to keep the same alive and well in F1.
Both George Russell and Nicholas Latifi have deals for ’21 and it’s unlikely the new owners would want to get rid of either given their talent (mainly Russell’s) and Latifi’s money!
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