Max Verstappen discussed the factors influencing his future in F1, emphasizing that any potential move from Red Bull would depend on multiple personal and professional considerations beyond just racing performance, and he clarified that recent talks about a Mercedes switch were friendly but not serious.
Valtteri Bottas will leave Sauber after the 2024 Formula 1 season and is expected to rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver. Sauber, which has struggled this year, is undergoing management changes and preparing for Audi's 2026 entry. Bottas's departure follows Sauber's signing of Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 and the anticipated arrival of Gabriel Bortoleto. Bottas expressed gratitude for his time at Sauber and hinted at a possible return to Mercedes, where discussions have been ongoing.
Lewis Hamilton is in talks for a shock move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season, potentially leaving Mercedes and racing alongside Charles Leclerc. The move would kickstart the F1 driver market’s ‘silly season’ and create an opportunity for a coveted seat at Mercedes alongside George Russell. Hamilton's potential departure from Mercedes would leave the team contemplating potential replacements, with the majority of the F1 grid out of contract for next year.