F1 Transfer Watch: Who’s In, Who’s Out for 2025?
March 2025 — As the 2025 Formula 1 season gains momentum, the driver market is already heating up. From rising stars and unexpected exits to veteran comebacks and controversial team decisions, this year’s silly season is anything but ordinary.
Here’s a curated look at the key driver moves, confirmed lineups, and the biggest rumors swirling through the paddock—all with an eye toward how the F1 grid could shape up in 2026 and beyond.
✅ Confirmed Lineups (So Far)
Red Bull Racing
- Max Verstappen – Contracted through 2028
- TBD – Second seat remains in flux between Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda
Despite pressure from fans and pundits, Red Bull appears to be sticking with its hierarchical approach, building around Verstappen and sidelining Liam Lawson.
Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc – Long-term deal in place
- Lewis Hamilton – High-profile 2025 debut season
Hamilton’s shock switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has reshuffled the power structure of the grid—and given Ferrari its best driver pairing in a decade.
Mercedes-AMG
- George Russell – Still the face of Mercedes’ future
- TBD – Eyes on Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old prodigy waiting in the wings
Mercedes is playing the long game, betting on a post-Hamilton youth strategy, while keeping their options open for a potential big-name signing in 2026.
🔁 Most Talked-About Rumors
Liam Lawson Left Out
Despite a solid substitute stint in 2023 and strong fan support, Liam Lawson is out at Red Bull for 2025, per PlanetF1 and RacingNews365. He’s reportedly headed to Red Bull’s Show Team, a holding pattern role with limited competitive action.
“Lawson has done nothing wrong—but politics and timing are brutal in F1,” said a GPBlog columnist.
Sebastian Vettel Comeback?
Multiple sources, including GPFans, have reported that Sebastian Vettel is seriously considering a return to the grid. While nothing is confirmed, talks with Audi (set to take over Sauber) have reportedly taken place.
Carlos Sainz on the Move
With Hamilton now in red, Carlos Sainz becomes a free agent for 2026. While he’s focused on finishing the year strong with Ferrari, early rumors have linked him to Alpine, Audi, and even a Mercedes wildcard entry if Russell underperforms.
Oscar Piastri as a Hot Commodity
McLaren’s young star is being courted behind the scenes, according to Sky Sports F1. Piastri’s calm demeanor and pace make him a long-term prospect for any top-tier team—if McLaren can’t keep up.
🧠 What to Watch in 2025
- Performance pressure on Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda
- How quickly Hamilton can settle in at Ferrari
- Whether Vettel or Mick Schumacher finds a way back to the grid
- Mercedes' long-term play with Antonelli and Russell
- The Audi–Sauber transition and how it shakes up the midfield
📈 Early 2026 Grid Predictions (Unofficial)
Looking ahead to 2026, the F1 grid is already starting to take shape—at least behind the scenes. Red Bull is expected to keep Max Verstappen as their cornerstone, with Yuki Tsunoda or a new young talent likely filling the second seat. Ferrari will continue with the powerhouse pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while Mercedes looks set to build around George Russell, possibly promoting their 18-year-old junior star Kimi Antonelli. At McLaren, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are expected to stay if performance stays strong. Aston Martin may enter a transitional phase depending on Fernando Alonso’s future, with Felipe Drugovich or a seasoned free agent ready to step up. Over at Audi, set to officially take over Sauber, the second seat could be reserved for none other than Sebastian Vettel, should comeback rumors materialize.
🎟️ Want to Experience F1’s Next Era Firsthand?
From last-minute driver switches to mid-season drama, there’s no better time to be part of the F1 world.
📚 Sources:
- PlanetF1 – Lawson Out at Red Bull
- GPBlog – Driver Seat Speculation
- RacingNews365 – Transfer Rumors
