The F1 driver market in 2022 promises to be one of the most fascinating in years. Only half of the drivers on the current grid have contracts to mark the beginning of a new era of sport in line with major regulatory changes.
Reigning world champion Mercedes has currently not registered any drivers for 2022, although seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has insisted that he wants to stay in Formula 1 for at least another year.
If Hamilton carries on as expected, his Mercedes teammate’s identity will be a major issue, with Valtteri Bottas and current Williams driver George Russell both battling for the seat.
Any decision by Mercedes is likely to have a big impact on the rest of the grid. A number of drivers are out of contracts at the end of the season and are trying to secure their F1 futures.
Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren announced that Lando Norris had dedicated his future to the team by signing a new “multi-year deal” that solidifies the line-up of the Woking team, consisting of the Briton and Daniel Ricciardo, until at least 2023.
Max Verstappen is tied to Red Bull until the end of 2023, while Ferrari has suspended its driver line-up with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz until at least the end of next season.
On the subject of matching items
The only other team whose line-up has already been confirmed for 2022 is Haas, who have chosen a rookie pair of Formula 2 graduates Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel signed a multi-year deal when he joined Aston Martin and Lance Stroll is widely expected to stay with him until 2022.
Fernando Alonso, the multiple world champion who returned to F1 this year, will continue with Alpine until 2022.
On the subject of matching items
This is how the starting line-up for the Formula 1 World Championship season 2022 has developed so far …
Mercedes
TBA
TBA
Red Bull
Max Verstappen (end of 2023)
TBA
McLaren
Daniel Ricciardo (end of 2023)
Lando Norris (late 2023)
Aston Martin
Sebastian Vettel (perennial)
Lance Stroll (perennial)
Alpine F1 team
Fernando Alonso (end of 2022)
TBA
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc (late 2024)
Carlos Sainz (end of 2022)
Scuderia AlphaTauri
TBA
TBA
Alfa Romeo Racing
TBA
TBA
Haas F1 team
Mick Schumacher (perennial)
Nikita Mazepin (perennial)
Williams
TBA
TBA
