The driver dilemma Ferrari has to solve for 2025 F1 season
11/09/2024 03:35 PM
The 2025 Formula 1 season kicking off in Melbourne next March will mark a new era for the Scuderia. Besides welcoming Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari will face a complete reshuffle of its reserve driver lineup next year.
Currently, Frederic Vasseur can rely on Oliver Bearman, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Robert Shwartzman as backups for Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz. We saw this already in Jeddah when, due to the Spaniar’s appendix surgery, the British driver was called in and is now set to join Haas.
Oliver Bearman quickly impressed everyone, prompting Ayao Komatsu to focus on him for the future. The No. 50 was able to get back on the track in two other instances, Baku and Interlagos, continuing to gain valuable experience ahead of his official debut next year.
Ferrari at a Crossroads
In 2025, Ferrari will find itself at a crossroads as it loses two of its reserve drivers. Besides Ollie Bearman, who, as mentioned, will move to Haas alongside Esteban Ocon, Ferrari will also part ways with Robert Shwartzman. The Russian driver, unable to find an F1 seat, recently signed a contract with Prema to race in IndyCar.
This will leave Ferrari with only Antonio Giovinazzi as a reserve driver. However, the Italian will be busy with the WEC, meaning his availability won't be guaranteed every race weekend. In a season with twenty-four races, this could present a significant challenge.
Options for Fred Vasseur
For this reason, Fred Vasseur will need to find a solution soon. One option is to promote one of the simulator drivers or a talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy. Alternatively, Ferrari could re-enter the market.
Several drivers will be without seats in 2025 due to the influx of rookies ready to make their debut. Among them is Guanyu Zhou, who, after parting ways with Sauber, has yet to confirm his future. The Chinese driver has already worked with Frederic Vasseur and would bring significant sponsorship support that could be beneficial for Ferrari.
There are also more experienced drivers like Kevin Magnussen or Valtteri Bottas, although the Finnish driver will likely return to Mercedes, possibly as their third driver.
It remains to be seen what Frederic Vasseur's next moves will be. Since joining Ferrari, the team principal has shown he can respond quickly to market opportunities.
Source: f1ingenerale
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