Yup. It is time.
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916) - until end of 2028
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-signs-two-year-extension-to-red-bull-f1-contract/10314403/) - until end of 2024
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/) - until end of 2024
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/21/ferrari-extend-sainzs-contract-to-end-of-2024-season/) - until end of 2024
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/982499/1/lewis-hamilton-signs-new-twoyear-f1-deal-mercedes) - until end of 2023
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/986751/1/russell-gets-mercedes-f1-promotion-partner-hamilton) - until end of 2023
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-gasly-to-race-for-alpine-alongside-ocon-in-2023.2KAog8YGlyBOFO5SskzYXD.html) - until end of 2024
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html) - until end of 2024
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2025
?. Oscar Piastri (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/2021-fia-f2-champion-oscar-piastri-join-mclaren-racing-2023/) - until end of 2024
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alfa-romeo-confirm-zhou-guanyu-to-stay-on-for-2023.5PFYqp7MjTMKaO4KqR23tI.html) - until end of 2023
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/) - until end of 2024
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fernando-alonso-switches-to-aston-martin-f1-team-from-2023/10347079/) - until end of 2024
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=424000859691760) - until end of 2023
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/magnussen-returns-to-haas-f1-team-to-replace-mazepin/8845965/) - until end of 2023
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-hulkenberg-comeback-haas-2023/10400888/) - until end of 2023
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-tsunoda-for-2023-formula-1-season/10372652/) - until end of 2023
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alphatauri-announce-nyck-de-vries-for-2023-alongside-tsunoda.3DDtgup7xpVfRgdTd9HFyW.html) - until end of 2024
Williams Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/03/albon-to-stay-at-williams-on-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2023
?. Logan Sargeant (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-hands-sargeant-further-fp1s-to-help-f1-superlicence-bid/10388378/) - pending valid FIA superlicence
Confirmed Retirement:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-four-time-champion-sebastian-vettel-to-retire-from-formula-1-at-the.65j625XK4FPq6qf2Qn5gb5.html)
Confirmed leaving:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-reality-is-i-wont-be-on-the-grid-in-2023-says-ricciardo-as-gasly-and-de.3oDTXBgmtsVwvrrYp7EpFV.html) - linked to Red Bull as 3rd driver/Ambassador
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-to-leave-williams-at-end-of-2022-f1-season/10373209/) - linked to IndyCar
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-confirms-schumacher-exit-at-end-of-2022-season/10400879/) - linked to Mercedes as 3rd driver/Ambassador
Let's get started, huh?
Schumacher to Aston Martin as a potential replacement for Vettel, who looks set to retire:
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/111516/schumacher-top-of-aston-martin-s-list-to-succeed-vettel.html
Another young talent, Alonso, could also be a potential successor for Vettel, if the German veteran retires:
https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernano-alonso-linked-aston-martin/
This in turn would make room at Alpine for Piastri, who honestly must be in F1 next season. Piastri is linked to Alpine, of course, but also to Williams:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-expects-alonso-piastri-2023-decision-around-british-gp-time/10305368/
With Ericsson winning the Indy 500, I saw several people immediately pitching him as a replacement for Latifi at Williams, Zhou at Alfa Romeo, or Ricciardo at McLaren.
Ericsson is firmly shutting speculation down in Swedish media today:
https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/G37PEl/marcus-ericsson-efter-indy-500-aldrig-mer-formel-1
(Translated version here) (https://www-aftonbladet-se.translate.goog/sportbladet/a/G37PEl/marcus-ericsson-efter-indy-500-aldrig-mer-formel-1?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp)
When asked about an F1 return:
"- No, I love this. Everyone asks that question, but I've lived in Indianapolis for 3.5 years now and I want to stay as long as possible."
Perez stays with Red Bull for another two years (end of 2024):
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-signs-two-year-extension-to-red-bull-f1-contract/10314403/
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/szafnauer-confident-piastri-will-race-in-f1-next-year-amid-williams-links/10324491/
Oscar Piastri likely to slot into Williams for 2023, perhaps with a new engine deal included?
https://the-race.com/formula-1/gasly-100-staying-with-alphatauri-for-2023-f1-season/
Gasly definitely staying with AlphaTauri, says AlphaTauri man.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-alphatauri-f1-signs-2023-season/10327358/
And now, formal confirmation for Gasly to remain over 2023.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-keen-for-vettel-to-stay-long-term-as-f1-talks-loom/10328135/
I pretty much assumed Vettel was definitely retiring after this season, but Aston Martin just opened up about hoping for a long-term extension.
Not only is Herta being connected to a drive with McLaren, BBC journalist Andrew Benson points to both Alex Albon and Sebastian Vettel as potential replacements for the Aussie.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/62119600
Vettel as a one-year stop gap if Ricciardo leaves at end of '22, I can see the logic in that for McLaren and Seb, but I can't say the same holds for Albon... so then is he doing enough to earn a longer placement? Anyway, sounds like Herta is first choice if testing goes well
If I was Zak Brown, I'd go for Vettel. Norris+Vettel, perfect mix of youth and experience. He could do 2 years, then retire. By which time someone like Gasly, Sainz, or Schumacher could be on the market.
Sebastian Vettel is retiring at the end of this season!
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-four-time-champion-sebastian-vettel-to-retire-from-formula-1-at-the.65j625XK4FPq6qf2Qn5gb5.html
We've been sort of expecting it for a bit, but it has now been confirmed. Who will take his seat at Aston Martin?
Alonso and Schumacher have been flouted as potential options. I could also see De Vries, Piastri, Albon, Gasly, or even Ricciardo.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fernando-alonso-switches-to-aston-martin-f1-team-from-2023/10347079/
Huh. Alonso confirmed at Aston Martin on a multi-year deal (likely 2 seasons, no?). This will definitely put Piastri in the car for Alpine in 2023.
https://www.facebook.com/AstonMartinF1Team/videos/424000859691760/
And they posted this video in social media of Alonso and Lance Stroll embracing, with the caption "Your 2023 Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team lineup. 💚". I consider this confirmation of Stroll also.
It seems Piastri had a deal in place to race for McLaren in 2023, but Alpine now claims Piastri as theirs for 2023 (and 2024 if option is triggered). Are we getting our own Palou mess in F1?
McLaren poaches promising young driver from rival, without having an open seat. The driver's name begins with P. It's all too familiar ;D
Alpine seems to say "Piastri will be racing for us in 2023" but also acknowledging "Piastri seems to want to go to McLaren". What a mess.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alpine-piastri-cant-leave-us-for-mclaren-f1-seat-in-wake-of-shock-alonso-exit-10347648/10347648/
Piastri says no. This is very Palou-esque:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-oscar-piastri-denies-signed-to-race-f1-2023/10347905/
"This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year."
Strong words.
---
Otmar, who lost both Alonso and Piastri in a matter of what feels like minutes, is already flirting with Ricciardo:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/szafnauer-no-issue-in-bringing-ricciardo-back-to-alpine-f1-team/10348009/
So I guess Piastri to McLaren, Ricciardo to Alpine?
Seems most likely, but what a mess Alpine has made of this
Oh yes, Albon staying on at Williams: https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/03/albon-to-stay-at-williams-on-new-multi-year-deal/
Albon having a cheeky dig at Piastri too:
"I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is right and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will be driving for Williams next year."
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-end-ricciardo-deal-piastri-2023/10349014/
Ricciardo out, Piastri in. This is not yet official confirmation, but it sure sounds like it's about to be.
Apparently, Alpine believes it triggered a valid option but in time, but there are question marks about whether the 2023 deal is even lodged with the Contract Recognition Board. If it isn't, Alpine basically used a non-existent clause to trigger a non-existent option for 2023, and McLaren picked Piastri up as a fair and free agent.
Ricciardo has a 2023 contract in place, and the discussion now is about buying him out.
Alpine claim they have 14 drivers in consideration for the second seat. Let's see if we can get some of them right?
1. Daniel Ricciardo
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Zhou Guanyu
4. Pierre Gasly
5. Nyck de Vries
6. Nico Hulkenberg
7. Stoffel Vandoorne
8. Daniil Kvyat
9. Colton Herta
10. Marcus Ericsson
11. Romain Grosjean
12. Theo Pourchaire
13. Felipe Drugovich
14. Jack Doohan
I mean, at least 5-6 of these are on their "shortlist" right? Maybe not the 3 Indycar boys.
Be an interesting working environment with Pastry given his rather public rejection of the team. Gasly sounds like he's planning on seeing out his contract to the end of '23 but you never know in F1, although does Alpine want to be all-French from a marketing perspective? Perhaps it isn't a factor or perhaps Zhou or Tsunoda (out of contract end of this year) would be a more useful fit.
Quote from: Penfold on August 15, 2022, 03:03:35 AM
Be an interesting working environment with Pastry given his rather public rejection of the team. Gasly sounds like he's planning on seeing out his contract to the end of '23 but you never know in F1, although does Alpine want to be all-French from a marketing perspective? Perhaps it isn't a factor or perhaps Zhou or Tsunoda (out of contract end of this year) would be a more useful fit.
I can see Red Bull letting Gasly go, but not Tsunoda. He'll drive the Red Bull in 2024 when Perez is dropped. Only question is, does Red Bull have anyone to put into AlphaTauri right now? Lawson and Vips are not up for it.
No Ricciardo for McLaren in 2023 confirmed. Maybe a Piastri though?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-mclaren-part-ways-2023/10357165/
McLaren must be confident of getting Pastry on board for '23, be in a slight pickle if the contract ruling goes against them
Norris accidentally confirmed Piastri too, so yeah they are very confident.
Dutch TV asked him: "Are you excited to be partnered with Piastri for 2023?"
Norris: "Is it confirmed now?"
Dutch: "No not yet"
Norris: "...yeah because it's not true"
Something like that. ;D
No, he said it's not true... aren't you convinced by that? lol
Nobody knows why, but it seems the final Haas seat is a battle between has-been Hulkenberg and has-been Giovinazzi, whereas the incumbent driver (currently beating his team mate, as he did last year) is apparently not really in the running.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-hulkenberg-2023-haas-seat-mick-schumacher/10368245/
Confirming Piastri, adding some Doohan and Gasly to Alpine, some Herta to Alpha Tauri, some randoms to Haas, we get this grid:
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916) - until end of 2028
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-signs-two-year-extension-to-red-bull-f1-contract/10314403/) - until end of 2024
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/) - until end of 2024
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/21/ferrari-extend-sainzs-contract-to-end-of-2024-season/) - until end of 2024
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/982499/1/lewis-hamilton-signs-new-twoyear-f1-deal-mercedes) - until end of 2023
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/986751/1/russell-gets-mercedes-f1-promotion-partner-hamilton) - until end of 2023
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html) - until end of 2024
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/szafnauer-no-issue-in-bringing-ricciardo-back-to-alpine-f1-team/10348009/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://the-race.com/formula-1/gasly-close-to-alpine-move-as-terms-of-red-bull-exit-agreed/)
?. Jack Doohan (link) (https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/alpine-doohan-gasly-alphatauri-herta-27962617)
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2025
?. Oscar Piastri (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/2021-fia-f2-champion-oscar-piastri-join-mclaren-racing-2023/) - until end of 2024
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/) - until end of 2024
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/16/zhou-takes-final-place-on-2022-grid-and-becomes-f1s-first-chinese-racer/)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/111040/debate-de-vries-will-be-on-the-f1-grid-in-2023.html)
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/magnussen-returns-to-haas-f1-team-to-replace-mazepin/8845965/) - until end of 2023
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://formula1news.co.uk/daniel-ricciardo-told-to-reject-mercedes-role-and-join-haas-in-2023/)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-hulkenberg-2023-haas-seat-mick-schumacher/10368245/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.planetsport.com/motorsport/news/F1-is-the-clock-ticking-on-mick-schumacher-future-haas)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/09/09/giovinazzi-coy-over-2023-f1-return-following-haas-outing/)
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://the-race.com/formula-1/gasly-100-staying-with-alphatauri-for-2023-f1-season/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/109546/brundle-hopes-red-bull-retains-confidence-in-tsunoda.html)
?. Ayumu Iwasa (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/red-bulls-five-f2-drivers-targeting-promotion-to-an-f1-seat-in-2023/)
?. Colton Herta (link) (https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2022/09/10/alphatauri-says-2023-seat-will-likely-go-to-gasly-or-herta/)
?. Dennis Hauger (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/red-bulls-five-f2-drivers-targeting-promotion-to-an-f1-seat-in-2023/)
?. Jehan Daruvala (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/red-bulls-five-f2-drivers-targeting-promotion-to-an-f1-seat-in-2023/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/red-bulls-five-f2-drivers-targeting-promotion-to-an-f1-seat-in-2023/)
?. Liam Lawson (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/red-bulls-five-f2-drivers-targeting-promotion-to-an-f1-seat-in-2023/)
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fernando-alonso-switches-to-aston-martin-f1-team-from-2023/10347079/) - until end of 2024
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=424000859691760) - until end of 2023
Williams Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/03/albon-to-stay-at-williams-on-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2023
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-driver-latifi-laughs-off-f1-exit-rumours/10307204/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1011902/1/could-mick-schumacher-end-williams-2023)
?. Logan Sargeant (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-market-is-oscar-piastri-in-line-for-a-seat-at-williams.SIx2wYA4zwhykUl9G15wM.html)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/111040/debate-de-vries-will-be-on-the-f1-grid-in-2023.html)
Confirmed Retirement:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-four-time-champion-sebastian-vettel-to-retire-from-formula-1-at-the.65j625XK4FPq6qf2Qn5gb5.html)
Could F2 champion Drugovich join Aston Martin as their reserve driver?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f2-champion-drugovich-in-frame-for-aston-martin-f1-reserve-role/10368228/
It makes some sense, no?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-set-to-join-alpine-f1-test-at-hungaroring/10369484/
Alpine testing a lot of drivers in Hungary:
* Nyck de Vries
* Jack Doohan
* Colton Herta
* Antonio Giovinazzi
Sebastian Vettel (!), Mick Schumacher and Nico Hülkenberg were also rumoured to appear, but it seems Vettel won't and I can't find any word on Hulkenberg. Schumacher has been confirmed not to attend.
Must say I'm baffled that Hulk is reportedly Haas' top choice to replace Mick - who himself has been giving Magnussen a run for his money of late. Why not make a grab for de Vries or take a punt on one of the talented youngsters, anything but two guys whose best performances are years behind them.
I really don't see why Haas would drop Schumacher. Yes he had a poor start to this season. Even in junior racing he always adapted over the season. He's doing so this year too, to the new regulations. He has now got the hang of them, and is beating Magnussen.
Word on the street (I think I read it in a news article about Ralf Schumacher) is that in 2024, Audi will step in as Sauber sponsor before the 2026 engine regs. They want a German, and they want Mick. So Schumacher is likely joining Sauber in 2024 anyway, which might give him a year in DTM or just a year as a reserve for Haas/Ferrari/etc.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-tsunoda-for-2023-formula-1-season/10372652/
Tsutsu staying at Alphalfa Tauri for 2023. We think Pedro Gaseoso will be moving to Alpine with De Vries in line to join Tsunoda.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-to-leave-williams-at-end-of-2022-f1-season/10373209/
Williams now confirm Latifi will leave at the end of the season.
With De Vries tied to AlphaTauri, who could drive this car?
Logan Sargeant is definitely an option, getting an American into F1 for the first time since Rossi had a few runs.
Mick Schumacher another option.
Ricciardo might be an option as well.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/zhou-guanyu-to-stay-with-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2023/10375017/
Zhou stays. Expected. He's been solid and reliable. Just needs to add some spark.
Almost completed now.
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916) - until end of 2028
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-signs-two-year-extension-to-red-bull-f1-contract/10314403/) - until end of 2024
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/) - until end of 2024
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/21/ferrari-extend-sainzs-contract-to-end-of-2024-season/) - until end of 2024
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/982499/1/lewis-hamilton-signs-new-twoyear-f1-deal-mercedes) - until end of 2023
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/986751/1/russell-gets-mercedes-f1-promotion-partner-hamilton) - until end of 2023
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-gasly-to-race-for-alpine-alongside-ocon-in-2023.2KAog8YGlyBOFO5SskzYXD.html) - until end of 2024
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html) - until end of 2024
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2025
?. Oscar Piastri (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/2021-fia-f2-champion-oscar-piastri-join-mclaren-racing-2023/) - until end of 2024
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alfa-romeo-confirm-zhou-guanyu-to-stay-on-for-2023.5PFYqp7MjTMKaO4KqR23tI.html) - until end of 2023
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/) - until end of 2024
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fernando-alonso-switches-to-aston-martin-f1-team-from-2023/10347079/) - until end of 2024
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=424000859691760) - until end of 2023
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/magnussen-returns-to-haas-f1-team-to-replace-mazepin/8845965/) - until end of 2023
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-hulkenberg-2023-haas-seat-mick-schumacher/10368245/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.planetsport.com/motorsport/news/F1-is-the-clock-ticking-on-mick-schumacher-future-haas)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/09/09/giovinazzi-coy-over-2023-f1-return-following-haas-outing/)
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-tsunoda-for-2023-formula-1-season/10372652/) - until end of 2023
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alphatauri-announce-nyck-de-vries-for-2023-alongside-tsunoda.3DDtgup7xpVfRgdTd9HFyW.html) - until end of 2024
Williams Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/03/albon-to-stay-at-williams-on-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2023
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1011902/1/could-mick-schumacher-end-williams-2023)
?. Logan Sargeant (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.driver-market-is-oscar-piastri-in-line-for-a-seat-at-williams.SIx2wYA4zwhykUl9G15wM.html)
Confirmed Retirement:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-four-time-champion-sebastian-vettel-to-retire-from-formula-1-at-the.65j625XK4FPq6qf2Qn5gb5.html)
Confirmed leaving, with no ties to another team
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-reality-is-i-wont-be-on-the-grid-in-2023-says-ricciardo-as-gasly-and-de.3oDTXBgmtsVwvrrYp7EpFV.html)
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-to-leave-williams-at-end-of-2022-f1-season/10373209/)
Only two seats still open, and the likelihood of Sargeant joining Williams is high (but depending on how he finishes in F2, to secure enough super license points). That really leaves Haas, with Hülkenberg inexplicably the supposed front runner. We're likely to lose FOUR drivers then, going into 2023, with 3 rookies and one veteran joining in their place.
Haas door still seemingly open for Ricciardo, question is whether he wants to go through it
At least picking Ricciardo makes sense compared to Hulkenberg.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-set-to-join-red-bull-as-third-driver-in-2023-claims-marko/10401632/
Ricciardo to be some sort of "ambassador" for Red Bull, because Lawson has been announced as their 2023 reserve driver.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-hulkenberg-comeback-haas-2023/10400888/
A middle-aged German, with 0 F1 podiums to his name, has been announced as the replacement for up-and-coming F2 champion Schumacher at Haas.
And with that, we have a complete grid for 2023. Unless Sargeant messes up badly this weekend, and fails to secure his licence.
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916) - until end of 2028
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-signs-two-year-extension-to-red-bull-f1-contract/10314403/) - until end of 2024
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/) - until end of 2024
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/21/ferrari-extend-sainzs-contract-to-end-of-2024-season/) - until end of 2024
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/982499/1/lewis-hamilton-signs-new-twoyear-f1-deal-mercedes) - until end of 2023
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.crash.net/f1/news/986751/1/russell-gets-mercedes-f1-promotion-partner-hamilton) - until end of 2023
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-gasly-to-race-for-alpine-alongside-ocon-in-2023.2KAog8YGlyBOFO5SskzYXD.html) - until end of 2024
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html) - until end of 2024
McLaren F1 Team:
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2025
?. Oscar Piastri (link) (https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/2021-fia-f2-champion-oscar-piastri-join-mclaren-racing-2023/) - until end of 2024
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alfa-romeo-confirm-zhou-guanyu-to-stay-on-for-2023.5PFYqp7MjTMKaO4KqR23tI.html) - until end of 2023
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/) - until end of 2024
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fernando-alonso-switches-to-aston-martin-f1-team-from-2023/10347079/) - until end of 2024
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=424000859691760) - until end of 2023
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/magnussen-returns-to-haas-f1-team-to-replace-mazepin/8845965/) - until end of 2023
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/nico-hulkenberg-comeback-haas-2023/10400888/) - until end of 2023
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-tsunoda-for-2023-formula-1-season/10372652/) - until end of 2023
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alphatauri-announce-nyck-de-vries-for-2023-alongside-tsunoda.3DDtgup7xpVfRgdTd9HFyW.html) - until end of 2024
Williams Racing:
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2022/08/03/albon-to-stay-at-williams-on-new-multi-year-deal/) - until end of 2023
?. Logan Sargeant (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-hands-sargeant-further-fp1s-to-help-f1-superlicence-bid/10388378/) - pending valid FIA superlicence
Confirmed Retirement:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-four-time-champion-sebastian-vettel-to-retire-from-formula-1-at-the.65j625XK4FPq6qf2Qn5gb5.html)
Confirmed leaving:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-reality-is-i-wont-be-on-the-grid-in-2023-says-ricciardo-as-gasly-and-de.3oDTXBgmtsVwvrrYp7EpFV.html) - linked to Red Bull as 3rd driver/Ambassador
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/latifi-to-leave-williams-at-end-of-2022-f1-season/10373209/) - linked to IndyCar
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-confirms-schumacher-exit-at-end-of-2022-season/10400879/) - linked to Mercedes as 3rd driver/Ambassador
Hulk and Magnum, well that's two reasons I won't be rooting for Haas next year....
I hadn't seen this earlier, but Piastri will race with 81 on his car next season.
https://www.racefans.net/2022/09/27/piastri-explains-why-he-chose-number-81-for-f1-debut-in-2023/
I see De Vries used 34 sometimes in karting, and that is available. He won in F2 with car number 4, occupied by Norris. He won in Formula E with car number 17, and that is retired for Bianchi. So De Vries might go for 34, which is also double his Formula E winning number!
Sargeant has said he wants number 3, but that's reserved for Ricciardo for the coming 2 seasons. He's used 6 in Formula 2, reserved to Latifi for the coming 2 seasons. He could go for 33, double that 3, but that belongs to Verstappen even though he's using 1 at the moment. So the American might have to just grab whatever is available, for example 8 which expires at the end of the year (Grosjean last used it in 2020). He could go for 45, in honour of his favourite US politican.
Of course varying the 3 could give Sargeant 13, 30, or perhaps 53 like Rossi used when he was in F1. Herbie is a classic, no?
(https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/317076813_879809683374351_1535037076355527512_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s720x720&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=osBcO2SsOAgAX_4jO-4&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=00_AfDv-gl63CFMN8c_FgMnsxGKHOuHO5RfkSde8mkODYQCqQ&oe=6384BD73)
I totally like this idea. Obviously you know what I'm going to do now. 23 races (China is out for next year), 23 drivers driving the "Entry 21". Red Bull get to run a 3rd car courtesy of being champion. This 3rd car will not score constructors point.
Race - Driver - Reason
Bahrain: Romain Grosjean - Reconquer the track that almost killed him
Saudi Arabia: Jamie Chadwick - Because women drivers in Saudi Arabia are super popular
Australia: Mark Webber - Home race
Azerbaijan: Daniil Kvyat - Nearly home race
Miami: Colton Herta - We'll make an exception to the whole Super License
Emilia Romagna: Giancarlo Fisichella - Last Italian to race for Ferrari
Monaco: Nico Rosberg - Living in Monaco, it's his home race really
Spain: Alex Palou - Spain's biggest IndyCar star!
Canada: Nicolas Latifi - At least he knows how to drive these cars
Austria: Felipe Drugovich - Scene of his first F2 win
Great Britain: Jenson Button - But instead of a 3rd Red Bull, maybe a 2009 Brawn?
Hungary: Jenson Button - Scene of first victory
Belgium: Mick Schumacher - In honour of dad
Netherlands: Robin Frijns - Biggest loss for F1, he should be here. Home race.
Italy: Felipe Massa - Always a Ferrari fan favorite
Singapore: Kamui Kobayashi - Since Vettel stole Japan, he'll join the grid here
Japan: Sebastian Vettel - The only circuit he'll race at
Qatar: Marc Márquez - Losail is a motorcycle venue. Could he make the switch?
USA: Daniel Ricciardo - Essentially American 1
Mexico City: Pato O'Ward - Obviously
São Paulo: Rubens Barrichello - He'll never be too old
Las Vegas: Daniel Ricciardo - Essentially American 2
Abu Dhabi: Marcus Ericsson - Indy 500 winner, and scene of his last F1 race
Sure, I reused some drivers like Button and Ricciardo. It's cool. If I can't do that, we could fit Karun Chandhok or Paul di Resta into the car at Silverstone for some live commentary. Ricciardo can do Vegas, but COTA can be run by Josef Newgarden.
Sargeant announces he will use car number 2, last used by Kartoffel Van Door.
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sargeant-announces-his-race-number-ahead-of-debut-f1-season-with-williams-in.35z9cfBQEh9nvT1j5lIEXS.html
Too bad there isn't a streets of Edinburgh race for a Jackie Stewart outing, although he is 83... okay, maybe Paul di Resta or Coulthard
I mean.. Team Principals playing Musical chairs it seems. Let us try to figure out what has happened.
Ferrari: "We no speak Binotto"
Binotto: "Oh ok bye"
Ferrari: "Vasseur, come on over?"
Alfa Romeo: "Bye bye Vasseur"
Vasseur: "Oh ok then, hi Ferrari"
Ferrari: "We confirm Fred Vasseur"
Alfa Romeo: "Well what about us?"
Seidl: "I'm joining Audi in 2026"
McLaren: "Ok bye bye Seidl now"
Seidl: "No I said 2026"
McLaren: "We did what we did"
McLaren: "Please welcome Andrea Stella."
Alfa Romeo: "Seidl, you said 2023 and Alfa Romeo right?"
Seidl: "Uh yeah sure"
Alfa Romeo: "We've signed Andreas Seidl", but as CEO
Williams: "We want in too. Jost Capito left. And his buddy Demaison"
Did you get all that?
I'll sum it up:
Ferrari: Binotto -> Vasseur (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-vasseur-to-replace-binotto-as-ferrari-team-principal.PELK9IIldsKSUSUwnJE66.html)
Alfa Romeo: Vasseur -> Seidl (sort of, he'll be the CEO sort of like Zak Brown at McLaren) (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-mclaren-boss-seidl-joins-sauber-as-chief-executive-officer.11qIgvDROJwWNcY2SqzjZo.html)
McLaren: Seidl -> Stella (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-promote-andrea-stella-to-team-principal-role-as-seidl-leaves-for.76ZnFh7nBuuJlqK1K0sR6E.html)
Williams: Capito -> TBD (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-williams-part-ways-with-team-principal-capito-and-technical.71TyD5Q968NBpiL4IJL9vc.html)
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-signs-schumacher-as-f1-reserve-driver-for-2023/10411676/
Mick joins Mercedes as their official Reserve Driver. I mean, I hope everyone is happy and healthy for 2023 but I also want to see Schumacher racing sooo.
Plus always interesting to see how drivers stack up against each other. Can he get outings in practice sessions or is he disqualified due to his time in f1?
Quote from: Penfold on January 05, 2023, 11:58:53 AM
Plus always interesting to see how drivers stack up against each other. Can he get outings in practice sessions or is he disqualified due to his time in f1?
Schumacher cannot fulfil the "junior driver" slots of which every car has to do one session per year (so twice per team). The requirement is only bound to number of F1 races competed, you can competed in no more than two GPs.