The F1 2025 driver lineup puzzle has been completed, with Isack Hadjar confirmed as Red Bull bound, replacing Liam Lawson. The 2024 season has been full of drama both on and off the track, with several major changes in the driver lineups across teams.
Major Driver Shuffles
The season started with a bombshell announcement as Lewis Hamilton revealed his departure from Mercedes at the end of 2024. The seven-time world champion will join Ferrari in 2025, partnering with Charles Leclerc in a bold move aimed at bringing Ferrari back to the top after a 16year championship drought.
As the season progressed, another significant development unfolded, although it was somewhat anticipated. Sergio Perez and Red Bull mutually agreed to part ways, despite the Mexican driver having two years left on his contract. In his place, Red Bull opted to promote Liam Lawson, who had only made 11 Formula 1 appearances, over Yuki Tsunoda, to team up with Max Verstappen in 2025.
With these moves, the stage is set for an exciting 2025 season, which will feature six rookies across various teams.
Team by Team Breakdown for 2025
Mercedes
In 2023, Mercedes secured George Russell and Hamilton for a contract extension until the end of 2025. However, with Hamilton's departure confirmed, Mercedes turned to Formula 2 star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, promoting him to the F1 team to partner with Russell from 2025 onwards.
Drivers - George Russell, Kimi Antonelli
Ferrari
Hamilton's move to Ferrari is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Scuderia to mount a serious title challenge in 2025. With Leclerc already on board, Ferrari is looking to put an end to its 16year championship drought and compete fiercely for the constructors' and drivers' titles.
Drivers- Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc
Red Bull
Max Verstappen, who is already a four time world champion, will remain with Red Bull through 2028, making him the longest serving driver on the grid. After parting ways with Perez, Red Bull decided to promote Lawson, choosing him over Tsunoda to partner with Verstappen. This decision comes with hopes of securing the constructors’ title in 2025 after falling short in 2024.
Drivers- Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson
McLaren
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are both locked in for 2025, having signed multiyear extensions that will see them race for McLaren until 2026. The duo made a strong challenge in 2024, with Norris finishing second in the drivers’ standings behind Verstappen. McLaren also secured its first constructors' championship in 26 years, and they will aim for a repeat performance in 2025.
Drivers- Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris
Aston Martin
Lance Stroll’s position at Aston Martin is secure, with a contract extending through 2025. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso has signed a deal to remain with the team until 2026, potentially signaling the final years of his illustrious career.
Drivers - Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso
Alpine
Esteban Ocon’s early departure in 2024 opened the door for Jack Doohan, who will make his F1 debut in 2025. Doohan will partner with Pierre Gasly, both under multiyear contracts.
Drivers- Jack Doohan, Pierre Gasly
RB (Red Bull’s Sister Team)
Yuki Tsunoda, after being overlooked for a Red Bull promotion, will race for RB for a fifth season in 2025. He will be joined by Isack Hadjar, a promising FrenchAlgerian driver who finished as the runnerup to Gabriel Bortoleto in Formula 2 in 2024.
Drivers- Yuki Tsundoda, Isack Hadjar
Haas
For 2025, Haas will shake things up with a completely new driver lineup. Esteban Ocon will join the team, alongside British youngster Oliver Bearman, who will make the step up from Formula 2.
Drivers- Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman
Williams
Carlos Sainz, whose future was uncertain after Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, ultimately signed a twoyear deal with Williams. Sainz had been a prime candidate for top seats at Mercedes and Red Bull but found himself joining the Grove based team instead. Alex Albon, meanwhile, is set to continue with Williams, securing a long term contract.
Drivers- Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon
Sauber
Sauber will undergo a transformation in 2025 with a completely new driver lineup, featuring Nico Hulkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. This change comes as the team transitions to Audi in 2026, in line with new regulatory changes in F1.
Drivers - Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
The Rookie Influx
The 2025 season will feature six rookies in total, bringing fresh faces and new talent to the grid. These include:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Jack Doohan (Alpine)
Oliver Bearman (Haas)
Liam Lawson (Red Bull)
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
Isack Hadjar (RB)
As the new season approaches, it promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with several team reshuffles, new driver pairings, and fierce competition for both the drivers' and constructors' championships.
