What's Next for the Driver Market?

With the Singapore Grand Prix just over a week away, there has been lots of speculation about what drivers are available and what teams are without.

So far, only half the grid have got two drivers signed up for the 2023 season.

Driving for Mercedes next season will be seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and upcoming superstar George Russel.

Seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton at the Italy Grand Prix (Image: Getty)

Like Mercedes, Red Bull will have the same line-up as this season, defending champion and current championship leader Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

Last season, Ferrari had the youngest line-up in the team’s history and is going with the same drivers. Charles Leclerc has a promising future in the sport and talented Spainard, Carlos Sainz Jnr. has kept his seat for next season.

28-year-old, Sainz Jnr. acknowledges the crowds at the Italian Grand Prix (Image: Getty)

During the summer break, McLaren had dropped Danial Riccardo, but they signed 2021 Formula Two champion, Oscar Piastri. The young Australian missed out on a drive this season, however, has signed a long-term deal, as has Lando Norris.

With the shock news that four-time champion Sebastian Vettel will be retiring at the end of this season from Aston Martin, two-time champion Fernando Alonso has decided to leave Alpine to replace him. Lance Stroll has also secured his seat for Aston Martin for the 2023 season.

Sebastian Vettel has retired from Formula racing after 15 years (Image: Getty)

The 2023 drivers that are confirmed for the other five teams are; Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauris), Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeos), Alexander Albon (Williams) and Kevin Magnussen (Haas).

The question is, who goes where and is it the right move? Mick Schumacher is linked with Alpha Tauri after his Ferrari contract was terminated. Liam Lawson is also linked with the move.

Nyck De Vris is in for a solid shout for the Williams seat to replace Nicholas Latifi. The young Dutchman debuted at the Italian Grand Prix, replacing the unwell Alex Albon and scored points on his debut.

There are still five races left and with the winter break coming, anything could happen.