F1 silly season under way as seven drivers out of contract including Hamilton

03 August 2023 , 12:15

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F1 silly season under way as seven drivers out of contract including Hamilton

The F1 summer break is often when future decisions are made - with just shy of half the grid unsure of their 2024 drives.

Known as 'silly season' - one driver move can often lead to a domino effect, as we've seen previously. Lewis Hamilton is the biggest name on the grid whose futures is undecided, while some teams have both seats currently vacant heading into next season. Red Bull and Max Verstappen have dominated the season and are still on course for a clean sweep of race wins. The pack below them are playing catch up with some performing better than others - which has led to drivers coming under increased pressure.

Nyck De Vries has already paid the price mid-season with Daniel Ricciardo coming in to replace the axed Dutchman. The AlphaTauri has performed poorly this year whilst some packages have greatly improved on last season. So, what could happen next season? Well, it's set to be a busy summer for F1 teams as they make the most of their factories being closed during the shutdown period. Some teams may look to make the most of the break while others may be looking to tie down their drivers to new contracts.

And, with seven stars out of contract at the end of the season, we take a look at which drivers face uncertain futures beyond this campaign...

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Lewis Hamilton is expected to remain at Mercedes for 2024 (Getty Images)

The Mercedes driver has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 but no deal is yet signed for next year with the German manufacturer still not providing a car capable of challenging for the title. It is Mercedes and Hamilton's great ambition to land an eighth title, but the Brit continues to age and that will be on his mind, especially with interests elsewhere. The expectation is that he remains with the team going into next season, but for how long after that remains to be seen.

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Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri)

Daniel Ricciardo is back in F1 with AlphaTauri for the rest of this season (Getty Images)

He was recalled following the brutal axing of De Vries and has immediately targeted a seat with Red Bull for 2025. Time is still on the Australian's side and he is held in high regard within the Red Bull family having won all but won of his races with the team. Ricciardo remains a safe pair of hands and having him with AlphaTauri, potentially upping Sergio Perez's game as he fears the Australian's promotion, could work well.

Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)

Yuki Tsunoda has earned plenty of admirers this season (Getty Images)

He's the only man to land points for AlphaTauri this season and claims Helmut Marko, the man making the decisions, is "happy" with his displays as he eyes a new deal. If Ricciardo outperforms him considerably in the final stretch of the season it could harm his chances though, especially with the latest junior prospect, Liam Lawson, eyeing a seat on the F1 grid for next season.

Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)

Zhou Guanyu wants to secure a long-term say in F1 (Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

The Chinese driver has made no secret of his desire to remain with Alfa Romeo long-term. The outfit will become Sauber next season before Audi come in for 2026, which will give the team manufacturer backing. Zhou wants to be part of that and discussions have taken place, but a short-term deal seems far more likely as the team's chiefs consider landing a big name for the shake-up in three years time.

Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)

Nico Hulkenberg is out of contract with Haas at the end of the season

Haas are another team who have both seats open for 2024. When this last happened they opted for two rookies, which didn't enhance the team's performances. Hulkenberg told Sky Sports Germany : "The stars and signs are currently in such a way that the marriage will continue." He's proved himself a solid perform, bringing home a P7 in Australia, and has outperformed his team-mate.

Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

Kevin Magnussen's current Haas deal expires at the end of this season (HOCH ZWEI/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

As a result of Hulkenberg's performances it is the Dane who is more at risk of the axe. Magnussen has confessed he is no closer to signing an extension with Haas, speaking after Spa he said: “I think at the moment there’s not any news to bring and eventually we’ll come around to it. I don’t really know what’s going on. I feel like the team is pretty happy but you never know with these things and I’ll take it one day at a time.”

Logan Sargeant (Williams)

Logan Sargeant has yet to score an F1 championship point (Getty Images)

One of the only drivers on the grid who is yet to score a point. The 22-year-old is very much under pressure despite their being a desire to have an American on the grid as the sports continues to try and crack the United States market. Sargeant's best finish so far is 12th, but the Mirror understands that Williams are committed to their driver's development.

Samuel Meade