Even before the lights go out this Sunday at the Canadian Grand Prix, there is much more than the race to discuss. After all, it’s “Silly Season” in Formula One, which is always full of mystery, intrigue, and surprises. This season is no different.
Let’s begin with a few things already in place: Louis Hamilton will shift from Mercedes to Ferrari (252 points on the year, #2), and Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will drive for McLaren (184 points on the year, #3). News is also that Sergio Perez has signed for another two seasons with Red Bull Racing (276 points on the year, #1). His signing means Daniel Ricciardo’s chance to advance has been postponed, at least for now.
Mercedes (96 points on the year, #4) has George Russell again, which was taken as a given. So, the big question is, who will replace Hamilton? The odds are that it will be young Kimi Antonelli, who has impressed the team with his testing. Ocon is also a name being bandied about, but he seems a less likely selection for the seat.
Aston Martin (44 points on the year, #5) will have Lance Stroll back, and that’s no big surprise. Neither is Fernando Alonso, who recently signed a multi-year contract.
RB (24 points on the year, #6) should still have the same drivers, Yuki Tsunoda and Ricciardo, largely because there’s little chance either driver will move up to the senior team.
Haas (7 points on the year, #7) has greatly improved this season, especially with Hulkenberg in a seat. But he is leaving Haas for Sauber, and that seat may go to Ocon or Kevin Magnussen, who wants to return. Oliver Bearman is the favorite to take at least one seat. He took sixth in Saudi Arabia subbing for Sainz, which will be very surprising if the Briton does not get the seat.
Williams (2 points on the year, #8) recently signed a multi-year contract with the Grove outfit, and there is no doubt that the team has improved with Alex Albon in one seat. The issue is who his partner will be. It could be Carlos Sainz, Valtteri Bottas, or even Pierre Gasly, and we’ll soon know who it is.
Then there is Alpine (2 points on the year, #9). Things seem favorable for Gasly there, and Bottas is possible, too. But Jack Doohan or even Victor Martins is possible. What we know for sure is that Alpine needs to improve from 2024, which has been a tough year.
Finally, we have Sauber (0 points on the year, #10), which will be Audi in 2026. Nico Hulkenberg has already signed for next season. Esteban Ocon or Gasly will join him unless Sainz is in the picture, but that seems less likely.
It won’t be long before all selections are in place. Until then, the mystery, intrigue, and surprises will likely continue.
