F1: Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto call could open up Formula 1 silly season
Formula 1 silly season is firing up already with Red Bull’s Liam Lawson facing the sack after just two events, in a shock move that could save the seat for Australian Alpine driver Jack Doohan.
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Formula One silly season is firing up already with Red Bull’s Liam Lawson facing the sack after just two events, in a shock move that could save the seat for Australian Alpine driver Jack Doohan.
Such is the cut-throat nature of the F1 world that Lawson is already under fierce scrutiny just two events into the season for failing to secure any points that has put Red Bull’s quest to reclaim the constructors’ title on thin ice.
While Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda is the man most likely to be promoted from the junior team, a left field option of Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto has been speculated.
That would aid Doohan’s future, given Colapinto was the driver waiting in the wings when the Aussie rookie was given just give events to secure his seat for the full season.
Where it all lands is anyone’s guess right now.
But with six drivers off contract this season - including both Mercedes drivers - and rumoured options in clauses for the likes of Max Verstappen to walk out on their deals if performance measures aren’t achieved, 2025 shapes as another year of intense speculation.
Add to the mix a new team in Cadillac joining in 2026, plus a further eight drivers off contract next year, the driver market is in over-drive.
Here is look at every drivers’ contract and if they’re under the pump in 2025 or next year:
MCLAREN | FERRARI | RED BULL | MERCEDES | HAAS | WILLIAMS | RACING BULLS | KICK SAUBER | ALPINE | ASTON MARTIN | CADILLAC
McLAREN
Lando Norris (2027): The world title favourite secured his future at McLaren in early 2024, but since then he’s led the team to a constructors’ title and runner-up in the world title. With Oscar Piastri it is the most stable pairing in pitlane. It would be a shock if he moved any time soon.
Oscar Piastri (2028): The 23-year-old Australian signed a new multi-year deal just days before the Melbourne Grand Prix, reportedly upgrading him to $20m per year alongside Norris. Piastri was of contract at the end of 2026 and while many viewed the multi-year announcement as locking him in until at least the end of 2028, there has been further suggestions he simply renegotiated the 2026 season and added 2027 making him potentially available to shop himself around sooner.
FERRARI
Lewis Hamilton (2026): The seven-times world champion made the shock move to Ferrari over the offseason and despite a DQ in China last weekend, he also came away with a stunning sprint race victory on the Saturday in a positive indication of his potential with the new team. Signed on a two-year deal, Hamilton is going nowhere for now.
Charles Leclerc (2027): Re-signed at the start of 2024, it is widely speculated the popular Monegasque driver is locked down until the end of 2027. At one point he was talked about as a potential Red Bull target - a suggestion that would only intensify if Max Verstappen ever leaves Christian Horner’s team.
RED BULL
Max Verstappen (2028): The four-times world champion is the priority driver in the Red Bull stable on the richest deal in the paddock, but it is titles and not money that motivates the Dutch superstar. With Red Bull losing their grip on dominance, Verstappen has several clauses in his contract that could open the door for him to depart as soon as this season. With new engine regulations coming into effect in 2026, and Mercedes tipped to become a powerhouse once more, don’t be surprised if Verstappen gets sweet-talked by Toto Wolff into jumping ship to the Silver Arrows.
Liam Lawson (2025): Could this be the shortest stint in F1 - sacked after two races?That is the reality facing Lawson as his clear struggles with the Red Bull car, qualifying in 20th and yet to claim a championship point, force Christian Horner to reassess his lineup. Whispers are Yuki Tsunoda could switch seats with Lawson before the Japanese grand prix next week, although Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto has also been linked with an immediate start.
MERCEDES
George Russell (2025): You get the feeling that Russell’s future hangs on Verstappen’s decision. If Max wants to move to Mercedes, you’d think Russell is in danger. If Max stays at Red Bull, Russell has shown enough to suggest he can compete for a world title. Two podiums in two races suggest Russell is consistent enough to be a lead driver at one of the main teams in 2026.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (2025): Fourth place on debut for Mercedes in Melbourne, the Italian teen is turning heads with his stellar start to his F1 career after a mature drive through the field on a wet Melbourne circuit. Two top tens in two races, he is hands down bet already to win Rookie of the Year. Surely Toto Wolff is drawing up the new contract already to keep him out of the clutches of Red Bull.
HAAS
Esteban Ocon (2026): At a new home following some tough years at Alpine, Ocon will be under more and more pressure as the next two years unfold. If his young rookie teammate Oliver Bearman starts beating him, Ocon’s immediate position could come under threat.
Oliver Bearman (2026): Bounced back from the disappointment of Melbourne to finish in the points in China. Bearman has a two-year deal with Haas, his contract conveniently up for renewal at the same time Lewis Hamilton’s deal with Ferrari ends. Does Lewis drive on or walk away after 2026? That could decide if Bearman is offered the chance to return to Ferrari were he came through their ranks.
WILLIAMS
Alex Albon (2026): Gradual improvement at Williams is expected to continue this year but team principal James Vowles knows their big opportunity is for 2026. That is when Albon will come under scrutiny. A former Red Bull driver, he’d be unlikely to go back any time soon but expect his name to be tossed about consistently in 2026.
Carlos Sainz (2026): At his fifth team, so already been in half the garages along pitlane. Sainz has not had the results he wanted in his first events with Williams, but Vowles is a big fan of the expertise he brings to the team. He will need results as the year goes on to keep a seat for 2027.
RACING BULLS
Yuki Tsunoda (2025): Crucial year for the Japanese star. He’s been linked with an immediate switch with Lawson at Red Bull, but it’s a complicated relationship. Tsunoda is heavily backed by Honda, and Honda’s relationship with Red Bull ends this year. So Tsunoda joining Red Bull, as much as he’s wanted that role for several seasons, may only be a short term opportunity.
Isack Hadjar (2025): Impressive start to his rookie season, even if his Melbourne debut ended in tears and embarrassment with a warm-up lap crash. But you can’t deny he has shown speed in qualifying and although he is yet to score points his name is also entering the conversation for an immediate switch to Red Bull.
KICK SAUBER
Nico Hulkenberg (2026): Made the move from Haas, and immediately he was in the points in Australia. He gives the team much needed experience so should be safe for the foreseeable future.
Gabriel Bortoleto (2026): Another F1 rookie, but he’s yet to figure in the points. Sauber aren’t in the business of sacking drivers, so he’ll see out his two years but his future will hinge on his improvement over the next 12-15 months.
ALPINE
Pierre Gasly (2026): Leader of the only team yet to score a point this season, Gasly is as much under the pump to perform as Doohan - regardless of his longer contract. Gasly has at least out-qualified Doohan this year but if he doesn’t start scoring points then volatile team consultant Flavio Briatore will start agitating for change.
Jack Doohan (2025): Under the pump after a DNF in Melbourne and 13th in China. Started the year with five races to save his seat, but, has Lawson’s failings given Doohan breathing room? The man eyeing Doohan’s Alpine seat - Franco Colapinto - is being mentioned as a potential Red Bull replacement. Needs a result in Japan to keep the wolves at bay.
ASTON MARTIN
Fernando Alonso (2026): Veteran former world champion with two DNFs this year, Aston Martin has brought in Adrian Newey to build a car that can give Alonso another shot at podiums. But, with Newey now at the team and Lawrence Stroll’s deep pockets, don’t be surprised if they have a nibble at Max Verstappen if he activates his Red Bull exit clause. If that happens, does daddy sack his own son or keep Alonso in the seat?
Lance Stroll (2026): Safest man on the grid given his dad runs the team. Stroll has secured points in Melbourne and China, so he is outperforming Alonso which further strengthens his grip on a seat many believe he will hold for as long as he wants to drive in F1.
CADILLAC (joining in 2026)
The two names that keep appearing as potential 2026 drivers for the new US-based team are sacked Red Bull pair Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo.
Ricciardo is immensely popular in America while Perez brings with him enormous commercial value from the South American market. Neither has confirmed interest in the seat, with Ricciardo’s most recent public comments suggesting he is happily retired and has no intention of racing again.
Originally published as F1: Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto call could open up Formula 1 silly season
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