In a flurry of updates from Red Bull Racing, 20-year-old French driver Isack Hadjar has been announced as Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate for Formula 1 2025. This lineup change follows New Zealander Liam Lawson’s promotion to the senior Red Bull team, where he will join four-time world champion Max Verstappen after Sergio Perez’s exit.
With Hadjar’s confirmation, the stage is now set for the 2025 season, which will showcase an impressive lineup of six rookies. A year after no winter driver changes, only McLaren and Aston Martin will retain the same line-ups as they had in last season’s opener. Lewis Hamilton will now don Ferrari’s iconic red, Carlos Sainz has joined Williams, and the 2025 grid will feature six full-season rookies, including four graduates from last year’s F2 championship.
With Hamilton’s departure finalized, Mercedes has opted to promote Formula 2 standout Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will join George Russell on the F1 team starting in 2025. Elsewhere, Esteban Ocon’s early departure in 2024 paved the way for Jack Doohan to make his F1 debut in 2025, partnering with Pierre Gasly under multiyear contracts. Meanwhile, Haas will undergo a complete lineup overhaul for 2025, bringing in Esteban Ocon alongside British F2 graduate Oliver Bearman.
Sauber will introduce an entirely new driver lineup in 2025, consisting of Nico Hulkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. This shake-up aligns with the team’s preparations for its transition to Audi in 2026, coinciding with Formula 1’s upcoming regulatory changes.
The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to feature significant driver lineup changes across multiple teams. Here’s an overview of the confirmed pairings:
Red Bull Racing
- Max Verstappen: Contracted until 2028.
- Liam Lawson: Promoted to the senior team, replacing Sergio Pérez.
Ferrari
- Lewis Hamilton: Joining Ferrari on a multi-year deal, departing from Mercedes.
- Charles Leclerc: Remaining with the team under a multi-year contract.
Mercedes
- George Russell: Staying with Mercedes, contracted until 2025.
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Promoted from Formula 2, set to make his F1 debut.
McLaren
- Lando Norris: Continuing with McLaren on a multi-year contract.
- Oscar Piastri: Contracted with the team until 2026.
Aston Martin
- Fernando Alonso: Under contract until 2026.
- Lance Stroll: Continuing with a multi-year agreement.
Alpine
- Pierre Gasly: Remaining with the team on a multi-year deal.
- Jack Doohan: Set to make his F1 debut, joining on a multi-year contract.
Williams
- Carlos Sainz: Joining Williams after departing Ferrari.
- Driver TBA: The second seat is yet to be confirmed.
Haas
- Esteban Ocon: Joining Haas for the 2025 season.
- Oliver Bearman: Graduating from Formula 2 to make his F1 debut.
Sauber (Transitioning to Audi in 2026)
- Nico Hülkenberg: Returning to Sauber with a multi-year contract.
- Gabriel Bortoleto: Formula 2 champion set to debut in F1
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
