F1 star to leave team after high-profile replacement chosen

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F1 News & Gossip

F1 star to leave team after high-profile replacement chosen

An F1 team could axe their current driver from their lineup

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:00

A struggling F1 star has reportedly been axed from their current team as they ‘sign’ a rival driver.

The grid will shift dramatically in 2025, with this year’s driver market more fluid than ever, catalysed by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.

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As a result Carlos Sainz has been left searching for a seat, alongside other drivers who are all eyeing their best options for 2026's regulation changes.

Major announcements have already been made this season, with Nico Hulkenberg moving to Sauber/Audi, and Esteban Ocon departing from Alpine.

Where will Esteban Ocon compete in 2025?

According to French outlet L’Equipe, their sources have revealed that Ocon will switch from Alpine to Haas next season.

Haas’ final choice for the seat has been reportedly been weighed up between Ocon and Sauber's Valtteri Bottas.

If Esteban Ocon joins Haas it leaves Kevin Magnussen without an F1 seat

With Bottas and Sainz still key players in the driver market, Magnussen's options remain narrow if he is displaced from Haas.

The Dane has had a disappointing season in comparison to his team-mate Hulkenberg, who has achieved a series of impressive points finishes including back-to-back P6’s in Austria and at Silverstone.

In addition to his poor performances, Magnussen was also involved in a dramatic collision at the Monaco Grand Prix which saw him DNF alongside Sergio Perez and his team-mate.

Haas currently sit seventh in the constructors’ championship and will be looking to ensure stability to their future line-up to climb up the standings.

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Carlos Sainz Haas Alpine Nico Hulkenberg