These are the confirmed Formula 1 reserve drivers of 2025

The importance of reserve drivers

Formula 1 reserve drivers are crucial for teams, providing both flexibility and reassurance. They contribute to the car development process through simulator work and can gain valuable track time during practice sessions.

There is a real possibility of seeing them in action, especially if a regular driver suffers an injury or illness and needs to be replaced.

That was the case in 2023, for instance, when we saw Liam Lawson after Daniel Ricciardo broke a finger in several places, highlighting the importance of having reliable and talented reserve drivers.

Red Bull & Racing Bulls reserve driver

For the 2025 season, Yuki Tsunoda will serve as the reserve driver for the Red Bull team for the first time.

In addition to this role, the Japanese continues as a full-time driver for the Racing Bulls team, alongside Isack Hadjar. This dual role was also seen in the same setup last year with Liam Lawson.

Additionally, Ayumu Iwasa will take on the role of reserve driver for the Racing Bulls team in 2025. Tsunoda's compatriot has been a part of the Red Bull programme for several years.

Mercedes reserve driver

Valtteri Bottas is making his return to Mercedes as its reserve driver this year. After parting ways with Kick Sauber, the 35-year-old Finn is stepping into a supportive role, lending his experience and expertise to the team’s primary drivers, George Russell and newcomer Kimi Antonelli.

Reflecting on the announcement of his Mercedes comeback last month, Bottas said: “The past few years have been challenging, but I’m confident I still have plenty to offer in Formula 1."

Aston Martin reserve drivers

In 2025, Felipe Drugovich again serves as a reserve for Aston Martin. The young Brazilian had a dominant F2 campaign in 2022, securing victories in the feature races in Jeddah, Barcelona, Monaco, and Zandvoort before clinching the title with one race to spare.

His consistent performances throughout the season put him on the radar of most F1 teams, but with very few available seats, Drugovich currently finds himself on the sidelines while Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll drive for the team. In the meantime, he will attend races during the season to gain experience and participate in FP1 sessions.

Stoffel Vandoorne and Jak Crawford will also be reserve drivers for Aston Martin. 

Alpine reserve drivers

After the controversial departure of Oscar Piastri in 2022, Jack Doohan became the reserve driver for Alpine in 2023. Currently, he forms one-half of this year's F1 driver line-up alongside Pierre Gasly.

In 2025, three drivers are reserve drivers for Alpine, namely Franco Colapinto, Ryo Hirakawa and Paul Aron. Colapinto performed well in 2024 for Williams after replacing Logan Sargeant with nine races remaining, making him an interesting candidate for a permanent seat in the future.

Ryo Hirakawa left McLaren and moved to Alpine this year, whilst Paul Aron has stepped up from Formula 2 to Formula 1.