Not a single driver change between the end of the 2023 F1 season and the start of 2024? Unheard of! But with numerous contracts expiring at the end of 2024, expect plenty of action in the driver market.
Sergio Perez at Red Bull is feeling the heat. With Max Verstappen securely contracted, Perez’s future is less certain. After extending his contract until the end of 2024, his result this year will be crucial. Red Bull has given him clear targets to hit, and with Daniel Ricciardo in AlphaTauri as a potential replacement, Perez needs to find consistency and avoid mistakes.
Carlos Sainz at Ferrari is also in his final contract year. While his long-term future with the team hasn’t been discussed much, team boss Fred Vasseur wants to keep him. Sainz himself expressed a desire to renew his contract before the 2024 season opener in Bahrain. He feels valued by the team and wants a longer deal.
Esteban Ocon at Alpine signed a three-year deal in mid-2021, but the team’s management has since changed. This could complicate his negotiations as he looks to secure his future. Similarly, Pierre Gasly, Ocon’s teammate, faces a new management team, although he has a performance-based option for 2025.
Logan Sargeant at Williams just barely secured his spot for 2024. Inconsistent and mistake-prone in his debut season, Sargeant is under significant pressure. Williams won’t tolerate errors this time, and he must match his speed with reliability if he wants to stay.
Daniel Ricciardo’s comeback story continues at AlphaTauri. After nearly losing his career in 2022, he showed enough promise to earn another seat. His main task is to prove himself worthy of staying with Red Bull, his ultimate goal.
Yuki Tsunoda faces a similar challenge at AlphaTauri. With Liam Lawson showing promise, Tsunoda needs to outperform Ricciardo. Rumors suggest Honda intervened to keep Tsunoda for 2024, but he must prove his worth this season.
Valtteri Bottas at Stake F1 (formerly Alfa Romeo) has had lackluster results. He aims to stay until Audi’s 2026 arrival, but only a new two-year deal will secure his spot. His teammate, Zhou Guanyu, is in a similar boat but has age and potential on his side.
Kevin Magnussen at Haas needs a strong 2024. His initial return to the team was promising, but last season was tough. To avoid another exit, he must outperform Nico Hulkenberg and show that he still has what it takes.
The 2024 F1 season will be crucial for these drivers as they fight for their futures. With many contracts up for renewal, expect a lively driver market by the end of the year.
Source: Planetf1
