LATEST: Top Nine F1 drivers to be out of contract at the end of 2024 season
Just under half of this year’s F1 drivers have contracts expiring at the end of 2024, despite recent contract extensions such as Sergio Perez’s with Red Bull, Nico Hülkenberg’s switch from Haas to Sauber, and Fernando Alonso’s continuation at Aston Martin. Additionally, Esteban Ocon has announced his departure from Alpine at the end of the season, following a controversial clash with teammate Pierre Gasly in Monaco.
Unlike last year, which saw no end-of-season driver changes for the first time in history, the majority of this year’s grid was seeking new contracts at the start of 2024. The action began early with contract extensions for Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, followed by Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari for the next season.
The stakes are particularly high as drivers and teams anticipate the rule changes coming in 2026, which will introduce new power units and chassis regulations. This shake-up could alter the performance hierarchy, potentially allowing a midfield team to compete for the title. Making the right move now could be crucial for a driver aiming for a world championship, provided they choose the right team.
Currently, the 2024 driver market is filled with uncertainty. Questions remain about who will stay, who will trigger major moves, and who might be leaving F1 altogether.
Here are all the F1 drivers still needing to secure their futures this season.
All drivers out of contract for 2025
| Driver | Team | Start of current contract | End of current contract |
| Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 2022 | 2024 |
| Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 2023 | 2024 |
| Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 2021 | 2024 |
| Logan Sargeant | Williams | 2023 | 2024 |
| Daniel Ricciardo | Visa Cash App RB | 2023 | 2024 |
| Yuki Tsunoda | Visa Cash App RB | 2023 | 2024 |
| Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | 2022 | 2024 |
| Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | 2023 | 2024 |
| Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 2023 | 2024 |
Carlos Sainz
Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari in 2025, along with Charles Leclerc’s contract extension, leaves Carlos Sainz without a seat next year.
A straight swap to Hamilton’s old seat at Mercedes could be attractive to the two-time grand prix winner. However, Sainz cannot rely on this option given Mercedes’ broad array of choices, including younger, older, and more accomplished drivers. Red Bull might have been an option, but Sergio Perez’s contract extension has closed that path — unless Max Verstappen decides to leave early amid ongoing team tensions.
This situation positions Sauber as a prime option for Sainz. Audi’s buy-in scheduled for 2026, bringing significant resources to the Hinwil operation, has already linked Sainz to the team. It also helps that his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., drives for the team and recently won this year’s Dakar rally.
Sauber, with Audi’s support, looks promising if Audi can help produce a competitive car for the new regulations in 2026. Sainz Jr. could establish himself as the experienced team leader for Audi’s debut season. The question remains whether he would be willing to endure a potentially challenging 2025 season at the back of the grid ahead of Audi’s involvement.
If not, Williams might be an appealing alternative. Powered by a Mercedes engine and undergoing a resurgence led by team boss James Vowles, Williams has been tipped to be a surprise contender in 2026.
Pierre Gasly
Alpine
“Underwhelming” aptly describes Alpine’s recent performance, with newcomer Pierre Gasly largely flying under the radar in 2023 and 2024. Gasly’s contract with the Enstone team runs until the end of the new season, with a reported option for 2025.
With Esteban Ocon set to depart at the end of the season, Alpine may aim to secure Gasly quickly with a lucrative extension, ensuring they have a French talisman leading the team. However, if the team continues to struggle in mediocrity through 2024 and beyond, Gasly might be tempted to explore other opportunities.
Esteban Ocon
Alpine
A week after Esteban Ocon’s ambitious overtaking attempt on teammate Pierre Gasly led to a collision in Monaco, putting Ocon out of the race, the driver announced his departure from Alpine at the end of the 2024 season.
Team principal Bruno Famin had remarked following the crash that there would be “consequences” and he would be forced to make a “very tough decision.” The timing of Ocon’s announcement seems unlikely to be coincidental.
As a member of the Mercedes driver academy, Ocon could potentially secure a seat next to George Russell for next season, unless Kimi Antonelli takes that spot first. With seats at top teams like Ferrari and McLaren already occupied, Ocon’s options might be limited to midfield teams such as Haas, Williams, or Sauber. However, competition for these seats will be fierce.
Logan Sargeant
Williams
Having narrowly managed to stay on the grid for 2024, the young American Logan Sargeant will be acutely aware of the threat to his seat. Sargeant’s contract expires at the end of the season, and with Williams looking to build upon its improved 2023 campaign, the team will be demanding a higher level of performance from him in his second year.
If Sargeant fails to deliver, Williams has several potential replacements. Zak O’Sullivan, currently in Formula 2, could be a candidate, as well as 2022 F2 champion Felipe Drugovich, who is still seeking a full-time F1 drive. Additionally, Mercedes young driver Kimi Antonelli has been linked to the seat.
Williams also has more experienced options available, including Carlos Sainz — if he can be convinced that the team has a strong chance of surpassing its rivals by 2026.
Daniel Ricciardo
Visa Cash App RB
Daniel Ricciardo’s unexpected return to AlphaTauri halfway through 2023 surprised many, but he quickly proved his worth on the F1 grid, earning a contract extension through the end of 2024.
Ricciardo’s clear goal was to secure Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull, but his early form in 2024 with the now-renamed RB team hindered those chances, which were further dashed by Perez’s contract extension.
In the first four races of the year, Ricciardo was outqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda and appeared slower in race pace as well. However, a new chassis for the Chinese Grand Prix reversed this trend, and Ricciardo hopes this change will unlock the pace that once made him a coveted driver across the grid.
Yuki Tsunoda
Visa Cash App RB
Red Bull’s junior team, now rebranded as RB, has both of its drivers out of contract at the end of 2024. Yuki Tsunoda has spent most of his F1 career surviving on one-year contract extensions, often fluctuating in and out of Helmut Marko’s favor.
Entering his fourth season with the team, Tsunoda is aiming to secure another year of F1 racing in 2025. In the first four races of the season, the Japanese driver scored 100% of the team’s points and managed to push his midfield RB car into Q3 twice. His impressive performances have led to discussions about Tsunoda being a potential option for Sauber.
Zhou Guanyu
Sauber
Having established himself as a reliable choice for Alfa Romeo (now Stake F1), Zhou Guanyu signed a one-season extension for the rebranded outfit last year. Despite the disappointing car they had last season, Zhou and teammate Valtteri Bottas have formed a solid pairing. However, Zhou’s long-term place in F1 appears to be under serious threat.
Audi’s imminent takeover of the team in 2026 adds to the uncertainty. Nico Hülkenberg has already been signed for next year and beyond, leaving only one seat available. That seat might also be at risk, with Carlos Sainz reportedly considering an offer to join the team.
Valtteri Bottas
Sauber
With his contract set to expire at the end of 2024, Valtteri Bottas, often dubbed everyone’s favorite “calendar model,” has his sights on securing a drive with Audi. Despite Sauber’s underwhelming performance in its previous Alfa Romeo guise over the last few years, Bottas has proven himself as an experienced and respected figure within the team.
However, this might not be sufficient, as Nico Hülkenberg has already been signed for next year and Carlos Sainz is reportedly also in contention. As Sauber approaches the Audi takeover, Bottas, a seasoned F1 veteran, is undoubtedly cognizant of the changing dynamics within the team. He’ll likely be exploring alternative options while also making his case within the team, provided he’s interested in continuing in Formula 1.
Kevin Magnussen
Haas
After securing Haas’s first-ever pole position in 2022, Kevin Magnussen faced a challenging 2023 season with a car that didn’t suit his driving style, resulting in lost positions in qualifying.
Despite this, he managed to secure a one-year contract extension to stay with the team through 2024. However, with significant changes on the horizon for 2025, including the departure of former team principal Guenther Steiner and owner Gene Haas’s intention to make the team more ambitious, Magnussen’s future is uncertain.
While Nico Hülkenberg’s confirmed move to Sauber next year alleviates some pressure on Magnussen, his seat is far from secure. Ferrari Academy driver Oliver Bearman has been strongly linked with the team, particularly after his impressive stand-in performance for Carlos Sainz in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix earlier this year. Haas may opt to pair Bearman with the experienced Magnussen. However, as the team shifts its focus towards 2026, they may decide to place their future in the hands of someone else.