By the End of August…
Things I expect to see before the end of August:
Kimi Antonelli will be announced as Mercedes's 2nd driver for 2025. If it wasn't Sainz, it's Kimi. It seems like a clear choice, but F1 has been known to throw a curveball. So, what if there is...The Liam Wild Card—a cliff is approaching, and it's Liam Lawson's expiring contract with Red Bull. Could we see a reshuffle at Red Bull without Liam signing? Could he end up at Mercedes, Alpine, or Audi/Sauber?
The Red Bull Driver drama is far from over. With Liam's contract set to expire, the pressure is on for these five-driver and four-seat musical chairs. The situation will unfold in September when someone will be out at Red Bull. The potential for a surprise is high, and the excitement builds as we wait to see how this drama will unfold.
Keep an eye on Mick Schumacher; he may be a wild card at Alpine. While rumors around Doohan signing for 2025 have been consistent, I still think there's a 25% chance that Mick could be a last-minute pick.
Bottas makes sense to extend with Audi/Sauber unless there's an entirely chaotic twist, such as a surprise offer from another team or a suddenly unsigned Liam Lawson. The Adidas and Puma partnership battle should be resolved soon, and a public announcement from the chosen partner is expected. The launch of Audi F1 will be a highly anticipated event. Who will ultimately be selected to team up with Nico Hulkenberg in 2025? I give it a 75% chance of Bottas being chosen.
It is easy to notice Formula 1 and its feeder systems are cranking out phenomenal talent faster than the rate at which it can get drivers' shots with F1 teams. A recent first in F1 history was the entire top 10 finishers at the Belgian Grand Prix all consisted of race winners. With a total of 13 race winners on the grid, This is a testament to the depth of talent in the sport. The grid is stacked deep; at least five to ten drivers would be available for an extra F1 grid spot: Magnussen, Zhou, Pourchaire, Drugovich, Lawson, Mick, Sargeant, Aron, and Hadjar... to name a few. The list of talented drivers without seats in 2025 proves that an eleventh team on the grid is needed. There is a surplus of talent in F1, and many of those drivers deserve to be competing. The need for an additional team is becoming more apparent.
