2025 F1 driver line-ups: latest rumours, confirmed seats and contract news

On December 19, 2024By Littum

It was a quick decision by the two-time world champion, who may have been under pressure to sign or risk losing his seat, given the quality of drivers who have yet to confirm a place for 2025. At the team’s launch of cars in 2024, Alonso indicated that he was uncertain about his future: “First I have to decide if I want to continue driving. Then I talk to Aston. But if those things don’t work out, I’ll look at what’s available.”

Across the garage, Lance Stroll’s performances last year did little to help Aston towards a top four finish in the constructors’ standings, with an average finish of 12th and not a single podium finish. But his position with the team is set to remain unchallenged for the foreseeable future as he has signed another multi-year extension – perhaps after negotiating with his father Lawrence, who remains in control of the outfit as its executive chairman and owner – which will keep him with the Silverstone outfit until 2025 and beyond.

Meanwhile, former F2 champion and budding talent Felipe Drugovich is languishing on the sidelines in a reserve driver role.

Alpine 2025 F1 driver line-up


Pierre Gasly Multi-year contract after 2025	Jack Doohan 2025

• Gasly extends his current contract
• Doohan promoted from reserve driver role to replace Ocon from 2025

Alpine underwent major upheaval in 2023, with the majority of its senior staff – including team principal Otmar Szafnauer, sporting director Alan Permane, technical director Pat Fry and director of racing expansion projects Davide Brivio – jettisoned or replaced. Its current driver line-up was believed to be next out the door, and while Esteban Ocon has mutually agreed to part ways with the team – one race early after the Qatar Grand Prix – the extension of Pierre Gasly’s contract could bring some much-needed relief. stability for the Enstone outfit.

2023 was a difficult season for the French pair. Despite podium visits in Monaco and Zandvoort, neither driver was able to find any consistency from the tricky A523. This ultimately led to a disappointing sixth place in the constructors’ standings. The start of 2024 has promised little better and then came the Monaco Grand Prix where both collided after Ocon aggressively tried to overtake Gasly.

A week later came the news that Ocon will not drive for Alpine next season, and he has subsequently signed for Haas. Alpine were quick to secure at least half of their current line-up amid rumors that Gasly was eyeing a move elsewhere. Has Flavio Briatore’s controversial return convinced the one-time race winner that better performances are on the horizon?

After missing out on Carlos Sainz, the promotion of Alpine junior Jack Doohan – who previously served as the team’s reserve driver – could indicate that Enstone is finally invested in its future rather than short-term results. The Aussie had an impressive junior career which included a runner-up finish in the 2021 FIA Formula 3 Championship as well as three key wins during his third season in F2 last year. He has also completed several tests during 2024 which apparently caught the eye of new Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes.

“Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential,” he said. “He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely appreciated by the whole team.”

However, the situation may not be as clear as it seems: Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s ‘executive advisor’ is believed to have sounded Franco Colapinto for a role. It has been suggested that this could mean he takes the rookie race seat. Doohan will make his F1 race debut for Alpine at this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; his performance could be decisive in who actually drives for the team next year.

Williams 2025 F1 driver line-up


Alex Albon Multi-year contract after 2025	Carlos Sainz Multi-year contract after 2025

• Alex Albon extends Williams’ contract to a multi-year deal
• Carlos Sainz joins Williams in 2025 on a multi-year deal

Williams showed the first signs of a resurgence in 2023, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Alex Albon. He scored all but one of the team’s 27 points, leading to its best finish in the constructors’ standings since 2017.

Now it appears he will be with the team long-term after signing a “multi-year” deal. His contract was due to run until the end of 2025, but Albon had been linked with an early move – with Red Bull apparently considering offering a contract for 2026 – or buying him out of his current deal to secure his talents for 2025 .

“I am fully dedicated to the team until my contract basically ends,” Albon said Sports Illustrated. “But I’m also 27. Although I’m not young, I’m not old either. And I feel like I’m in a good part of my career. If you take another year I’m 28 so 29 going to 30 soon. I want to give myself the chance to be able to fight for victories and fight for podiums. And what it comes down to is, at that time and in that time, can we bring this team to be that team?

That potential also seems to have enticed Carlos Sainz to sign for the team. He joins from Ferrari in 2025. The Spaniard had long been tipped for a Williams seat after team principal James Vowles publicly stated he was pursuing the two-time race winner for a place next year.