The F1 Driver Market Is Closing Fast

This week, we learned that one more seat on the Formula 1 grid for 2025 has been taken. Haas have opted for youth (and a future Ferrari prospect) as they have done so many times before, meaning that the number of seats available on next year’s grid is now very limited. Before too long, we’d imagine that the lineup will be complete. Before it is, though, there is just enough time for you to wager on who you think will occupy those rides. That’s where Gamesbelt comes in, as our resident F1 expert shares his advice with you.

Alt Text: Ollie Bearman is the latest driver to secure a seat in the F1 driver market

The Latest Deals

First up, let’s discuss the most recent signing. Ollie Bearman is set to become the youngest driver on the grid, and the fourth British driver to compete in Formula 1 in 2025, alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris.

Bearman is a Ferrari prospect, and despite talk linking him with Sauber, he has joined Haas, replacing the outgoing Niko Hulkenberg. It is a move that many expected, thanks to Haas’s recent history of bleeding Ferrari academy prospects into F1. It didn’t work out so well for their last rookie – Mick Schumacher, but it could be a different story this time around. The young Briton is much fancied by Ferrari, and his multi-year contract should give him all the time he needs to develop at Haas before eventually replacing Lewis Hamilton when he chooses to end his career at the Scuderia.

Who Needs to Do What to Grab a Seat?

There’s still plenty of action to be had at betting sites, though. There’s a seat remaining at Mercedes, as well as rides at Team RB, Haas, Alpine, Williams and Sauber. So, who does our expert think is up for those rides?

First up, Mercedes, having failed to lure Max Verstappen, will almost certainly move for their own academy graduate, Kimi Antonelli. Over at Team RB, the shareholders are reportedly favouring youth, so Daniel Ricciardo is likely to be supplanted by Liam Lawson, although Iwasa, Hadjar and Jakobsen are thought to at least be in consideration.

Over at Haas, the team are looking at the possibility of signing free agent Esteban Ocon to replace Kevin Magnussen. However, they may yet choose to keep the Dane, who’s loyalty to the team is unquestionable. Both Schumacher Jnr and Doohan have been touted for seats at Alpine, but they look set to make a late play for Carlos Sainz. Sainz would be keen on a return to Alpine, as he raced there before leaving for McLaren, then Ferrari.

Elsewhere, Williams have also made Sainz their primary target ahead of Pourchaire and Drugovich, who may have missed their window to join F1. However, with Alpine seemingly a more attractive seat for Sainz, Williams may turn to former driver Valtteri Bottas. It would be a homecoming for the Finn, with Williams an upgrade on his current ride at Sauber.

Finally, we have Sauber. They have snapped up Hulkenberg already and are mulling over whether to keep either Bottas or Zhou. They may make a move for Ocon if Haas don’t land him, but this seems unlikely. Given they favour German drivers, Mick Schumacher could still be an option. Failing all else, either Bottas or Zhou would likely remain with the team on a one-year deal until Sauber becomes Audi in 2026.

It Could Be Time Up for Some Drivers

We know for sure that Logan Sargeant’s time in F1 will come to an end, and there seem to be no takers for the American, who will likely be heading over to Indy. Zhou and Ocon could also be on the chopping block. It is also unlikely that Daniel Ricciardo will secure a ride with Team RB for next season, and while a move back to Alpine (formerly Renault) is unlikely, it cannot be ruled out.

Bet on the British Grand Prix This Weekend

It isn’t just the team seats you can bet on right now. This weekend is the British Grand Prix, and with three British drivers in contention for a podium, it should be an epic race. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the fallout from last week’s Austrian Grand Prix, when Max Verstappen brutally ran Lando Norris out of the race, causing a cooling in the friendship between the two. Max typically refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing, and given Lando’s reaction to Max’s comments, we’d expect a feisty battle if these two line up on the front row at Silverstone this weekend. All Gamesbelt’s recommended betting sites, such as 32Red, should be ideal platforms to get decent odds on the race going into this weekend’s British Grand Prix.