By Joe Murphy
The season is a mere few days away from commencing and we want to steer away from the negativity as much as possible. However, there is a chance that some of the current grid are heading into what will turn out to be their final campaign. But who are those who may not be in F1, this time next year?
Logan Sergeant
Unless he pulls some high quality performances from somewhere, the American looks to be running on a limited time span. Liam Lawson is one of many who are waiting in the wings and if Alex Albon continues to be up on his teammate, then Williams will start to look for other options, especially if more experienced drivers are let go from their respective teams. Such as…
Sergio Perez
This entry is far less likely, but certainly something that cannot be ruled out. 2024 looks set to be the last year at Red Bull for the Mexican. Therefore, you have to look at where a move is possible to. Whether it’s a temporary hiatus or a permanent retirement, Checo could have a decision to make. Whilst many teams would take a driver of the pedigree of Perez, it’s more a question of whether a suitable gap opens up.
Lance Stroll
Even when your father owns the team, there’s only so much time that can buy anyone. The Canadian came under scrutiny last year for the vast gap to veteran teammate Fernando Alonso, and it’s hard to envisage a scenario where that gap closes this season. There are a lot of young drivers from the reserve lists and F2 waiting for an opportunity. If Aston Martin as to be super competitive in the sport, then they must consider the long term future of their number two driver.
Kevin Magnussen
We at Wheel2Wheel Reports have considered lots of possible different destinations of K-Mag beyond 2024. The truth of it, however, is that the Danish driver may be done with the sport in twelve months time. His contract is up and if Haas go in a different direction, Magnussen may unfortunately be surplus to requirements. Many teams are preferring the youth approach so Magnussen may find it more difficult than ever to find an opening.
Nico Hulkenberg
You can copy and paste this entry for the other Haas driver. His experience is vast, but his future is more down to whether or not Haas wish to retain the German driver into 2025 and beyond.
Daniel Ricciardo
Whilst Carlos Sainz is expected to find another F1 seat beyond Ferrari with relative ease, can the same be said about Daniel Ricciardo? It’s less convincing. The Australian cannot afford a poor season at RB, otherwise his stock will fall dramatically. The futures of Perez, Lawson, Tsunoda and Ricciardo are all interlinked, and the dynamic became even more interesting following the news of Lewis Hamilton’s swithmxh to Ferrari. Many people will want to see Ricciardo on the grid next year, but a poor 2024 could see these dreams shattered.
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