F1 driver market: The moves brewing beneath the surface

While the new regulations are still the main topic in the F1 paddock, the driver market is gathering momentum, as is customary at this time of the season.

The headline question remains whether a major grid shake-up is imminent. In theory, the top teams are locked in for the foreseeable future; only an extreme scenario, such as Max Verstappen acting on his frustrations with the current regulations and walking away, or Lewis Hamilton deciding he has had enough, would force a dramatic reshuffle.

In Canada, both drivers' champions explained their intention to continue into 2027, with RacingNews365 sources suggesting that signs from Maranello point towards Ferrari being committed to Hamilton, making a significant change at the front of the grid unlikely at the moment.

Haas

Further down, the picture is more fluid. Haas drew attention due to post-Miami rumours of a mid-season driver swap, firmly denied by all parties in Montreal. The 2027 season is another matter. The non-optional part of Esteban Ocon's and Oliver Bearman's contracts expire at the end of this year, meaning the team must have, theoretically, contingency plans in place for two vacant seats.

Bearman appears the safer bet to remain. As a Ferrari Academy graduate, his ties to Maranello give him a good reason to stay at Haas — which is powered by the Italian team — with a potential step up to the Scuderia still an option for 2028. According to experts' opinion in the paddock, Ocon's continuation looks less certain, given the performance gap between the two drivers.

A couple of names have already emerged as potential replacements, including reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, 32, who is backed by Toyota and its motor racing-loving chairperson Akio Toyoda. Positive reports surround his development work, though his age and limited F1 experience are a concern.

Despite this, Toyota is allegedly so hopeful about Hirakawa's F1 participation that it is already thinking about a succession at its WEC team; industry sources suggest that if the Japanese driver leaves the programme, Toyota would want to sign Porsche driver Kévin Estre to replace him.

Jack Doohan, who is also serving as a Haas reserve this year, brings recent F1 experience and significant marketing value. Yuki Tsunoda has also been mentioned in the rumour mill.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the former Red Bull driver is trying to secure sponsorship and is even willing to sacrifice his Honda ties, and paddock sources indicate that he has been trying to get onto the radar of Toyota's top management, with a view to winning its backing, while Red Bull circles say the Milton Keynes-based team would not block a move.

Alex Albon

At Williams, the FW48 has endured a wretched start to 2026, and with the non-optional part of both Carlos Sainz's and Alexander Albon's contracts expiring this year, neither driver would be blamed for looking elsewhere. Sainz has comfortably outperformed the car and is understood to have attracted serious interest from multiple teams. 

The season looks more agonising for Albon, making his decision equally heavy. The driver has been racing for Williams since 2022, experiencing highs and lows, but the long-awaited 2026 season has so far brought only disappointment, and his statements and body language during recent races have hinted at dejection.

In Montreal, RacingNews365 learned that he is also on the radar of some teams. Contact has recently been made with Alpine, Audi, and Aston Martin to map out options for both sides. 

Albon's ties to Red Bull cannot be overlooked, either. Chalerm Yoovidhya, the majority owner of the energy drinks manufacturer, still maintains close personal and business relationships with the Williams driver and also remains a supporter of his career.

Although unlikely at the moment, if any change were to occur within the six-time constructors' champion's camp, which owns two F1 teams, the Thai billionaire could throw a lifeline to Albon, whom F1 will also need, considering that it is getting closer to announcing the Thailand Grand Prix.

Cadillac

At Aston Martin, Lance Stroll's seat is rock-solid, while Fernando Alonso has no intention of leaving before he has had the opportunity to compete with a proper car designed by Adrian Newey.

There were suggestions recently that the Gucci sponsorship might facilitate a return for the Spaniard to Alpine; however, these were denied by every source approached.

And there is also speculation about F1's newest team, Cadillac. Sergio Perez's internal dominance over Valtteri Bottas is getting stronger, and after Montreal, some outlets are already predicting the Finn's imminent dismissal.

This was denied to RacingNews365 by team principal Graeme Lowdon, and the team principal confirmed that the Finnish driver would continue to enjoy the fledgling project's full support. 

While Bottas has ground to make up, the general opinion of Perez is positive, as key players told RacingNews365 that he is "living his renaissance."

The Mexican driver is being watched by decision-makers who want a new driver — and also by those who might need a replacement in any case.

But despite that promising situation, Perez has repeatedly emphasised that he is fully focused on Cadillac, and according to RacingNews365 information, he means it.