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The 2022 Formula 1 (F1) silly season is in full swing but fans are already champing at the bit for the next instalment. With a series of blockbuster moves that will see Pierre Gasly make his way to Alpine, Nyck de Vries re-enter the mix and Oscar Piastri finally get his start at McLaren, the 2023 F1 driver lineup is set for a serious shakeup. Here’s everything that has been announced so far, detailing who is moving where and the big reveals that are still yet to come. Get your engines racing.
RELATED: Top F1 Driver Salaries for 2022
2023 F1 Teams
While not all teams have finalised their driver lineups for 2023, the majority of liveries are locked in for the next big season. Here is what we know so far. Simply click the name of each team to learn more about the lineup.
| Team: | 2022 Lineup | 2023 Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez | Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez |
| Mercedes | George Russell, Lewis Hamilton | George Russell, Lewis Hamilton |
| McLaren | Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo | Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz | Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz |
| Williams | Alex Albon, Nicholas Latifi | Alex Albon |
| Alpine | Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso | Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly |
| Alfa Romeo | Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu | Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu |
| Aston Martin | Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll | Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso |
| Haas | Kevin Magnussen, Mick Schumacher | Kevin Magnussen |
| Alpha Tauri | Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda | Yuki Tsunoda, Nyck de Vries |
Max Verstappen wins the 2021 F1 Drivers Championship | Image: F1.com
The Aftermath of 2022
An eventful season has come to a close and for the second year running, a masterclass by Dutchman Max Verstappen has secured the victory. The 2021 F1 Driver’s Champion made it two on the trot after a contentious (not for the first time) and chaotic 2022 Japanese Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver needed his closest challenger Charles Leclerc to finish P3 or lower to secure the title and make it mathematically impossible to be overtaken. Up until the final lap, the pressure was on, but Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez forced the Monégasque Ferrari driver into a mistake, handing the Red Bull team the victory.
“It’s crazy. Very mixed emotions, first of all winning the race, looking back now at what a year I’ve had so far, it’s been incredible,” Verstappen said in the post-race interview. “Something I could never have imagined happening after last year… I’m so thankful to everyone who has contributed to this success. The work we’ve done together with Honda all the way through, constantly improving rapidly to win now twice.”
Image: OscarPiastri/Twitter
Movers & Shakers
The end of the 2022 season kicked off with a major announcement from Alpine favourite Fernando Alonso. In a decision that shocked most, the veteran driver confirmed he was making the move to Aston Martin to replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel, and from there, the announcements came thick and fast. A long and sordid miscommunication between Alpine and reserve driver Oscar Piastri played out in spectacularly public fashion, with the 21-year-old back-to-back F2 and F3 champion refuting claims made by his employer about his future.
In August, Alpine revealed that Piastri would be promoted to a race seat alongside Esteban Ocon starting from 2023. While that should have been a major win for the young Australian, it didn’t mesh well with him and his response was telling.
“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 has put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year… This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year,” Piastri said in a Tweet.
Image: Daniel Ricciardo/Instagram
The announcement sparked speculation that Piastri might be gunning for under-performing McLaren star Daniel Ricciardo‘s spot alongside 22-year-old young gun Lando Norris, after the Aussie failed to make a significant impact across his tenure in the papaya livery. The initial reports suggested it could be as simple as a straight driver swap, sending Ricciardo to the UK-based team, however, it wasn’t that simple. As Ricciardo was still under contract with McLaren, the team would either have to pass up Piastri or fork out some serious dough to payout out the Honey Badger’s contract. After months of rumours, McLaren agreed to do the latter. In late August, just days before the Belgian Grand Prix, Ricciardo and McLaren confirmed they had parted ways.
“McLaren Racing and Daniel Ricciardo have mutually agreed that Daniel will leave the team at the end of the 2022 season,” McLaren F1 Racing wrote on Twitter. “The team thanks Daniel for his dedication and contribution, including that memorable win in Monza. We look forward to finishing the season strongly together.”
Immediately, McLaren seized the opportunity and signed Piastri to the team, setting up a potential driving dynasty. At present, Danny Ric remains without a team, however, he’s not alone. Haas driver Mick Schumacher, son of the great Michael, has found himself out of favour with the F1 team after a lacklustre season left him podium-less. The 23-year-old is expected to find a seat at another team, however, time is running out for the German to pen a deal.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez | Image: F1
1. Red Bull
After another strong year that resulted in a second F1 Drivers Champion for Verstappen, Red Bull isn’t messing with the formula. The team has locked down both Verstappen and Sergio Perez for the upcoming season, which could prove to be a defining one for the iconic livery. Verstappen signed an extension back in March that will see him stay in Red Bull colours until at least the 2028 season, worth an estimated USD$55 million a year. That figure puts the young gun on par with Mercedes mainstay Lewis Hamilton, a remarkable feat for a 25-year-old. At the end of his contract, Verstappen will be 30 years old, which is far from the end of the line, meaning the potential to snag a secondary contract is certainly up for grabs, provided he keeps winning.
“You heard on my radio on the in lap , asking if I could stay for another 10/15 years,” Verstappen said at the FIA prize giving gala. “I am very happy where I am and I can be myself, and that I think is also really important. It’s not only about just purely F1: we can have fun, we can have a good laugh. It’s not only about performance, also you need to enjoy what you’re doing.”
Sergio Perez is also contracted to stick by his side until at least 2024, with the Mexican driver signing an extension back in May, just two days after his win in Monaco.
Current Drivers: Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez
Under Contract in 2023: Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell | Image: F1
2. Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton’s battle for supremacy took a dive this year, after the seven-time world champion struggled to recapture his best form, however, it wasn’t all his fault. Mercedes added young driver George Russell to the mix for 2022 and two crossed wires on a number of occasions, only finding their rhythm late into the season. Both drivers are contracted to stay on in 2023, with Hamilton’s contract to expire at the end of the upcoming season and Russell on board for the long haul.
Importantly, Hamilton, at 37 years of age is starting to near the end of his time in the box seat, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him give it all away when 2023 concludes. That could open the door for a Daniel Ricciardo comeback, or at least shake up the driver lineups, however, it’s still up to Sir Lewis what he chooses to do.
Current Drivers: George Russell, Lewis Hamilton
Under Contract in 2023: George Russell, Lewis Hamilton
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri | Image: F1
3. McLaren
The most contentious driver update in recent memory, McLaren will enter the 2023 F1 season with a fresh new look. Young star Lando Norris is set to be joined by F2 and F3 champion Oscar Piastri after the Australian won his long-time stand-off with Alpine, but don’t expect things to work out immediately. While intrigue is high on both Norris and Piastri, fans should temper their expectations for the new duo. Together, the pair have a combined age that only marginally eclipses Fernando Alonso, with Piastri without significant F1 experience at all. Nevertheless, McLaren has thrown its eggs in the youth basket, handing the keys to a 22- and 21-year-old.
Norris, now three years into a stellar F1 career, signed an extension to 2025 with McLaren, off the back of a career-best year, while Piastri is contracted on an as-yet-unconfirmed multi-year deal. The signing was made possible after 2022 driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed a messy breakup with McLaren that saw the papaya livery pay out an enormous sum to terminate his contract. Ricciardo’s exit made way for Piastri to take the drive, despite a bitter battle with Alpine that went all the way to F1’s Contract Recognition Board.
Current Drivers: Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo
Under Contract in 2023: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz | Image: F1
4. Ferrari
A promising start to the season dropped off in the middle before reigniting late, Ferrari looks primed for a big 2023 season. Much like Red Bull, the F1 team isn’t messing with the formula much, running it back with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the drivers’ seats for the next few years. Leclerc signed a five-year extension at the end of 2019, with Sainz penning a new contract earlier this year that will see him stay in red until at least 2024.
For Ferrari, the pairing appears to work well. Over the last two seasons, Leclerc has shown glimpses of brilliance, peppered with a few silly mistakes, however, the star is expected to take a leap in 2023. Sainz, on the other hand, struggled a little with the new F1-75 production vehicle across 2022, but the changes will ultimately prove beneficial. It might be too early to call but expect big things from Ferrari in 2023.
Current Drivers: Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz
Under Contract in 2023: Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz
Alex Albon | Image: F1
5. Williams
One of the big unknowns for 2023 is just who will sit alongside Alex Albon at Williams. The driver was retained on a multi-year deal, however, current partner Nicholas Latifi was culled from the lineup at the end of the 2022 season, after three years leading the team. While it was initially reported as F1’s worst-kept secret, it’s no surprise to fans that Williams is shopping around for a new driver.
When Latifi first joined the team, the funding that inevitably followed him was crucial to the team’s survival, however, Williams now finds itself under private equity, meaning cash is no longer an issue. The update means the underperforming Canadian is out and the opportunity for a new beginning at Williams is open. As for who takes the drive, it’s still anyone’s guess, however, the early speculation is that American F2 driver and Williams junior Logan Sargeant could be promoted through the ranks. Similarly, out of favour Haas driver Mick Schumacher has been tied to the team, but at the moment, Williams is staying tight-lipped about the second drive position.
Current Drivers: Alex Albon, Nicholas Latifi
Under Contract in 2023: Alex Albon
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly | Image: F1
6. Alpine
Shocked by not getting Oscar Pistri, despite announcing it to the world, Alpine was forced to make some amendments to its 2023 F1 lineup and they aren’t too shabby. Pierre Gasly has now been confirmed in the seat that was originally rejected by Piastri, seeing him join Esteban Ocon, who recently signed a three-year extension.
Even without the Piastri saga, securing the all-French lineup wasn’t exactly easy for Alpine. The team targeted Gasly, who had already signed a contract extension for 2023 with AlphaTauri, who agreed to let him go provided they could secure a new driver of their choosing. Luckily enough for Gasly and Alpine, Alpha Tauri managed to pick up Nyck de Vries, opening the opportunity for the Frenchman to take up the drive at Alpine.
Current Drivers: Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso
Under Contract in 2023: Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu | Image: F1
7. Alfa Romeo
A surprise packet for 2022, Alfa Romeo turned a few heads and reignited Valtteri Bottas’ career. The Finnish driver’s move from Mercedes was just what the doctor ordered and his three-year deal looks to be a winning move so far. Alongside Bottas, Alfa Romeo is sticking by rookie Zhou Guanyu, who initially was only on board for a one-year deal. After impressing the team with a number of performances across 2022, including a top-10 finish in his debut, the Chinese import has been rewarded with a follow-up contract for the 2023 season.
Current Drivers: Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu
Under Contract in 2023: Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu
Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso | Image: F1
8. Aston Martin
With Sebastian Vettel announcing his retirement, Aston Martin found themselves without a marquee driver for 2023, but that didn’t last long. In a shock announcement, Fernando Alonso confirmed he would be leaving Alpine to replace Vettel, bringing with him a wealth of championship experience. The 2005 and 2005 champion confirmed a multi-year deal that will see him in green well into his 40s, which inadvertently puts an end to hopes of Aston reserve driver Nico Hülkenberg taking up the spare spot. Additionally, current driver Lance Stroll is also locked in for the 2023 season.
Current Drivers: Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll
Under Contract in 2023: Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso
Kevin Magnussen | Image: F1
9. Haas
What started out as a dog’s breakfast actually turned out to be moderately successful for Haas. The team kicked off its 2022 campaign in dramatic fashion, releasing Nikita Mazepin and handing Kevin Magnussen a multi-year deal to return to the F1. The move was initially designed to see a long-term partnership between Magnussen and Mick Schumacher flourish, however, Magnussen severely outperformed his teammate in the early stages of 2022 and left Haas officials at a crossroads. While Schumacher recovered towards the latter half of 2022, his future at Haas remains unclear.
The German has been linked to Williams for some time now, leaving the door ajar for a number of potential suitors to take his place at Haas. Aston Martin reserve driver Nico Hülkenberg could firm as a possible candidate should Schumacher exit, not to mention the currently teamless-Daniel Ricciardo is nipping at the heels of an F1 turnaround. At this stage, nothing has been confirmed but it seems more than likely that Schumacher is on his way out of Haas.
Current Drivers: Kevin Magnussen, Mick Schumacher
Under Contract in 2023: Kevin Magnussen
Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsunoda | Image: F1
10. Alpha Tauri
When Alpha Tauri locked in Pierre Gasly for the 2023 season, the team thought the job was done, but Gasly had other ideas. After being contacted by Alpine following the departure of Oscar Piastri, Gasly weighed up his options and forced Alpha Tauri to reconsider the deal. Together, they found a solution with the team nabbing Formula E champion Nyck de Vries following a standout performance filling in for Williams’ Alex Albon at Monza. The Dutchman is now contracted for 2023 and will join Yuki Tsunoda, who recently signed a one-year extension following the Italian Grand Prix
Current Drivers: Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda
Under Contract in 2023: Yuki Tsunoda, Nyck de Vries
Retiring F1 legend Sebastian Vettel | Image: Planet F1
The Outgoing
While it’s not unusual to see drivers part ways with teams once a season ends, the conclusion of the 2022 championship was bittersweet for fans. Long-time hero Sebastian Vettel confirmed that this season would be his last in the driver’s seat, announcing his retirement in July. The 35-year-old German previously won four consecutive F1 world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, marking one of the most dominant individual eras in the sport’s history.
After making his debut back in 2007, Vettel quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first title just three years later. From there, the German moved to Ferrari, where he spent six seasons in Rosso Corsa before leaving to take up a place at Aston Martin, where he finishes his illustrious career. At present, Vettel leaves the F1 third on the list of all-time Grand Prix winners with 53 total victories, behind only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Impressively, his 13 victories in 2013 leave him tied with Schumacher for the most wins in a season.
“The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it,” Vettel said in a video posted on Instagram ahead of the Hungarian GP. “At the end of the year I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next; it is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family.”
With a spare seat available, Fernando Alonso steadied as the shock replacement, leaving Alpine to assume the drive alongside Lance Stroll.
Image: Daniel Ricciardo/Instagram
The Unknowns
While most teams have locked in their lineups for 2023, there are still a few unknowns. While both Haas and Williams have yet to announce a complete team, the biggest question mark remains of Australian Daniel Ricciardo’s future. The 2021 Monza Grand Prix winner was rumoured to be weighing up retirement as an option, after failing to find a drive post-McLaren exit. That speculation was shot down in October, with the Honey Badger confirming he is working towards 2024 as the next move.
“I think the reality is now I won‘t be on the grid in 2023,” he told reporters after the qualifying session at the Japanese Grand Prix. “I think it’s now just trying to set up for 2024. I think that there could be some better opportunities then, so that‘s really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set.”
Ricciardo’s remarks were further supported by a statement from long-time manager Nick Thimm. Taking to Twitter, Thimm insisted the release from McLaren was far from the end of Ricciardo’s career.
“None of this is about ego, unachievable demands, or a sudden lack of opportunity,” he posted. “This is about a man who was dealt a bad hand, now finding the right next opportunity. Uncovering a new project where he can work with a team that embraces his unique set of skills. A project where his experience can be applied. A process where he can reset and show his love for the game. And ultimately put himself in the best position to show the world what he’s capable of should he be given the chance.”
“It’s a different approach yes, but it’s also a new day for the sport,” Thimm continued. “Daniel’s maturity and experience is matched by few on the grid; now more than ever. The honey badger will still be as close to the F1 grid as he can in 2023. He’s not done. And as we saw this season, anything can happen.”
For Ricciardo, the door remains open and it’s likely that fans will see him pick up a reserve driver spot in the interim. If he’s able to make a statement behind the scenes, 2024 could be the second-coming of Danny Ric, however, it’s all speculation at this point.
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General FAQs
What F1 drivers are confirmed for 2023?
At present, all teams bar Williams and Haas have confirmed their 2023 F1 driver lineups. Most team shave stayed the same, however, Oscar Piastri has replaced Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren, Nicholas Latifi has been axed from Williams, Pierre Gasly has joined Alpine, Fernando Alonso has moved to Aston Martin, Nyck de Vries joins Yuki Tsunoda at Alpha Tauri and Mick Schumacher has left Haas.
Who will join Alpine 2023?
Formula 1 team Alipne has confirmed that former Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly will join the driver lineup for 2023, alongside Esteban Ocon.
