Playing for time practically never works in Formula 1. Carlos Sainz junior with his braking tactics at the night race in Singapore last Sunday may have been the big exception. However, the current transfer market in the premier class is characterized by a similar strategy. The silly season, varied by deliberately spread or simply daring rumors, has become frozen in expectations this autumn.
It is quite possible that next season, for the first time, all racing teams will start with the same staff as last year. A clear delaying tactic, because the premier class of motorsport looks set to escape the major cut in regulations in the 2026 season. Not only have the technicians been working on the new drive technologies for a long time, but personnel planning is also geared towards the new beginning. Accordingly, many important contracts run until the end of 2025, and some do not have to be renewed until the turn of the next year. This creates a generational conflict.
Zak Brown, the North American owner of the McLaren racing team, didn’t really want to come to terms with the timing. Before the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend, he extended the contract with Australian rookie Oscar Piastri until 2026. In principle, Brown would not have been in a hurry, but the competition has become aware of the 22-year-old. Given the expected shortage of top talent in future contract negotiations, it is better to have a trump card in your hand. McLaren even has two of them, and Lando Norris is also considered a future title candidate.
In addition to Talent Piastri, only world champion Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull beyond the change in regulations – even until 2028. His team boss Christian Horner is satisfied that he doesn’t have to make a decision yet, he can pre-sort for now: “It will be an interesting journey.” Verstappen’s co-driver Sergio Perez will be available next autumn, as will Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz junior. After all, Honda as a factory partner of Aston Martin and newcomer Audi are new, attractive employers. “There are only a few drivers that everyone wants. The decisive factor will then be not only the money, but also the perspective that a team can offer,” suspects Mike Krack from Aston Martin. Then the drivers will dominate the market again.
The big change in Formula 1 still has to wait
The current standstill is bitter for all the talents who have pushed up from the bottom over the past two years, supported by ever-increasing youth academies. Mick Schumacher is one of them, the Mercedes test driver’s plan B is called Alpine. There he could, like his father once did, gain driving experience in the top category of the sports car world championship. On Friday, Alpine sports director Bruno Famin promised the 24-year-old a test: “A good opportunity for both sides.” Just get out of the talent jam! It is still unclear whether there can be a parallel reserve activity in Formula 1.
The big upheaval in Formula 1 still has to wait; the average age is 28.5 years; before the pandemic it had already fallen to 26.6 years. This is quickly explained when looking at the most recent contract extensions: Lewis Hamilton is 38, Nico Hülkenberg 36, Kevin Magnussen almost 31. Valtteri Bottas, 34, and Sergio Perez, 33, are also allowed to continue. Not to mention the eternal Fernando Alonso, 42. None of the ten teams want to take big risks at the moment. The ground effect cars are still new territory, but experienced people still get along best with them. Most young drivers need three years just to acclimatize. Hardly anyone has the time right now.
The Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, 23, is hoping for a contract extension with Alpha Tauri, perhaps this weekend. He is fighting for his place against the injured Australian Daniel Ricciardo, 34, and the New Zealand substitute Liam Lawson, 21. An age group elimination race. The decision-makers say they have no pressure.
