As Formula 1 gathered for the start of the European season in Imola this weekend, they brought back the traditional motorhomes in the paddock. This sparked a series of secret meetings to decide the lineups for 2025.
People noticed some of these meetings, like Valtteri Bottas talking with James Vowles at Williams on Saturday morning, or Carlos Sainz’s team visiting various teams including Red Bull and Alpine. It seems like the silly season, as they call it, is wrapping up early this year.
Everything seems to hinge on Sainz, who has an offer from Sauber/Audi. He has until the end of this month to decide. He was waiting before committing to becoming Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate, hoping for seats at Red Bull or Mercedes. But it looks like Red Bull might keep Sergio Perez, and Mercedes is aiming for Andrea Kimi Antonelli or Max Verstappen. So Sainz’s chances at both are fading.
If Sainz doesn’t decide in time, Audi might go for Esteban Ocon or Pierre Gasly instead.
This situation has left Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, Sauber’s current drivers, realizing their future isn’t with the team. Bottas is actively seeking deals elsewhere to avoid being left without a seat.
At Imola, Bottas met with Vowles, possibly discussing a future partnership with Alex Albon. Bottas also has options with Haas or Alpine.
Haas might make an early move, with drivers like Oliver Bearman on their radar. Ocon is a top option for them too, along with Gasly, Kevin Magnussen, and Zhou. Haas might consider other drivers too, depending on their performance.
Alpine is calm about the situation, not rushing into contracts. They are happy with their current drivers and want to focus on technical improvements.
But this calmness might cost them their drivers if other teams move quickly. The driver market could see big changes very soon.
