Winners and losers of 2025 F1 driver market: Ferrari move sparked dramatic changes

12/31/2024 03:08 PM

The 2025 Formula 1 grid is now finalized, and this year's driver market has delivered some of the most shocking moves in recent memory.

What began with the groundbreaking announcement of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari sent shockwaves through the paddock, leading to a staggering 10 driver transfers for the upcoming season. This upheaval stands in stark contrast to the stability of 2024, which marked a historic first with no driver changes or rookies entering the grid—a season where every team retained the same lineup as the previous year.

For 2025, however, only two teams have opted to keep their driver pairings, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead of the new technical regulations coming into effect in 2026. Across the grid, teams have reshuffled their rosters in an effort to gain a competitive edge. Some squads have emerged stronger with marquee signings, while others have lost valuable talent or made questionable choices in the transfer market.

Now let’s take a quick look at a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from the 2025 driver market.

The Winners: Lewis Hamilton Joins Scuderia Ferrari and Williams Hits the Jackpot

Among the winners of this year's driver market, one move stands out as the most significant: Lewis Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari. The sport's most successful driver teaming up with its most iconic team is arguably the biggest driver move in Formula 1 history. While Hamilton endured a challenging 2024 at Mercedes—particularly in qualifying—he proved on several occasions that he remains a fierce competitor. Alongside Charles Leclerc, Hamilton will form a formidable duo at the front of the grid.

Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari comes at the expense of Carlos Sainz, who has departed for Williams. This move has left many hailing Williams as the biggest beneficiary of the transfer market. With Carlos Sainz joining Alex Albon, the team now boasts a strong, balanced lineup of two leaders capable of pushing the team to new heights. Team Principal James Vowles has praised the acquisition of Sainz as “tremendous,” though the question remains whether Williams can deliver a car capable of consistent points finishes.

Sauber has also made significant strides by signing veteran Nico Hulkenberg and rising star Gabriel Bortoleto. This pairing provides a blend of experience and youthful promise, positioning the team well ahead of Audi's arrival in 2026. Although they are expected to remain at the back of the grid, their new lineup offers the potential for standout performances, similar to Zhou Guanyu's impressive showing in Qatar this year.

McLaren, meanwhile, emerges as a winner for its stability. By retaining Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the team has arguably secured the strongest driver pairing on the grid. With their continued improvement, McLaren is poised to be a dominant force in 2025 as they aim to contend for both championships.

The Losers: Tsunoda's Stagnation and Alpine's Uncertain Future

Not all teams and drivers have come out of the 2025 driver market unscathed. Yuki Tsunoda, in particular, finds himself in a difficult position. Despite targeting the second Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda was overlooked in favor of his Racing Bulls teammate Liam Lawson. While Yuki Tsunoda outperformed both Daniel Ricciardo and Lawson during the 2024 season, Red Bull opted for the New Zealander, citing his “right mindset” for the team's future. As a result, Tsunoda remains at Racing Bulls on a one-year deal, leaving him uncertain about his career prospects beyond 2025.

Another driver facing an uphill battle is Jack Doohan. The Australian secured a spot at Alpine for 2025 alongside Pierre Gasly, but his position is already under threat. Alpine is reportedly pursuing Franco Colapinto for 2026, leaving Jack Doohan in a precarious situation where he might lose his seat shortly after earning it.

Aston Martin also finds itself in a less-than-ideal situation heading into 2025. While the team has retained its 2024 lineup, Fernando Alonso's mounting frustrations with the car and Lance Stroll's underperformance cast doubt on their competitiveness. Many believe Stroll's continued presence is holding the team back, but addressing the issue is complicated by the team's ownership dynamics. With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, Aston Martin risks falling further behind if they don't make tough decisions soon.

The post Winners and losers of 2025 F1 driver market: Ferrari move sparked dramatic changes appeared first on Scuderia Fans.