2023 Formula 1 driver market: Which drivers are going where? – Autosport

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB18
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Even before Red Bull streaked well clear of Ferrari in the 2022 constructors’ championship, it had both drivers signed up for next season. Stability is the name of the game as an uber-long deal to retain Max Verstappen means he will again lead the outfit over compliant team-mate Sergio Perez.  
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Ferrari chairman John Elkann wants Maranello to win a drivers’ and constructors’ title before 2026, specifically with “Charles Leclerc in pole position”. Just as well the Monegasque has agreed a long-term deal with the Scuderia. Similarly, stablemate Carlos Sainz is going nowhere for next year.  
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W13
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Lewis Hamilton considered walking away from F1 after the controversial events of Abu Dhabi last year. But he has returned to lead the team in the ground-effect era and help the rapid progress of George Russell. The Brits will again pair up in 2023 as they seek to return the Silver Arrow to success.  
Confirmed 2023 drivers
Esteban Ocon, Alpine A522
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
Alpine has not come out of the 2022 driver market dealings smelling of roses. It dillydallied with Fernando Alonso’s contract, causing the Spaniard to seek pastures new. And it upset Oscar Piastri enough to cause F1’s ‘next big thing’ to look elsewhere. So, there’s a space alongside Esteban Ocon. Whatever Alpine eventually decides to do, it’s set to have knock-on effects down the grid. 
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL36
Photo by: Alessio Morgese
McLaren has got its man, having poached Formula 2 and 3 champion Oscar Piastri from the books at Alpine. The hot prospect will partner Lando Norris, who has pledged his future to the team but now needs a car capable of allowing him to fight with Verstappen, Leclerc and Russell into the late 2020s.  
Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo C42
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
The Alfa Romeo branding for the Sauber team will be removed at the end of next season. But ahead of an Audi takeover, continuity is the order of the day for this Swiss squad as Valtteri Bottas stays put and impressive 2022 rookie Zhou Guanyu has been given another year to prove his worth. 
Confirmed 2023 drivers
Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-22
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Charismatic team boss Gunther Steiner has been blowing more cold than hot when it comes to discussing the future of Mick Schumacher at the team. The driver’s camp isn’t all that impressed with that. But the impressive F1 return of Kevin Magnussen will create some continuity for 2023. 
Confirmed 2023 drivers
Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri AT03
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
With Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez carrying on at Red Bull, its junior team drivers at AlphaTauri at first appeared on course to be kept in a holding pattern. But with the recent uncertainty over Pierre Gasly’s future as he considers a switch to Alpine, Yuki Tsunoda might expect a new sparring partner. 
Confirmed 2023 drivers
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin AMR22
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Team owner Lawrence Stroll didn’t hang around. As his four-time champion driver Sebastian Vettel set up an Instagram account to reveal his F1 retirement, the Canadian quickly entered successful talks to sign a marquee replacement in Fernando Alonso. Naturally, he will partner Lance Stroll.  
Confirmed 2023 drivers
Alex Albon, Williams FW44
Photo by: Erik Junius
Alex Albon has done a fine job replacing George Russell as the Williams team leader in 2022, so no surprise as he stays. But with Nicholas Latifi sent packing and the second seat at Williams not attractive enough for Oscar Piastri, there’s a 2023 drive on offer to one of two F1 newcomers.  
For the four (Alpine, Haas, AlfaTauri, Williams) plum F1 seats left up for grabs, listed below are the leading candidates. Some are Formula 2 students looking to take the next step in their career. Others are more experienced and have had their GP shot, gone away, but are in the frame for a return. And then there’s the current F1 stars who will become free agents at the end of 2022 or might still rip up their existing contract and move elsewhere to ensure the silly season stretches on.  
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Nico Hulkenberg, Aston Martin
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
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