Like 2021 raised our expectations for an F1 championship battle, 2022 raised our expectations for the silly season. The silly season last year was extremely dramatic. This year might be less so. However, there are 7 drivers out on contract on the current grid with Lewis Hamilton being one of them. There might be some big moves around the corner.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff have stated multiple times that the world champion isn’t going anywhere. The pair behind one of the most dominant eras in F1 have some unfinished business to take care of. While there have been several delays, both parties maintain it’s only a matter of putting pen to paper.
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Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo wasn’t even on the grid at the beginning of the season. Nyck De Vries’ shock exit saw him return to Alpha Tauri. If he performs extremely well, he might be promoted to Red Bull. Even if he performs decently, he will have made a case for a midfield team. He may stay at Alpha Tauri for next year, or drop out of F1 again.
Yuki Tsunoda
The Japanese driver is at the end of his extension. With Ayumu Iwasa in the ranks, his Japanese Honda connection isn’t exclusive anymore. He has impressed everyone this year. How he measures up to Daniel will decide his future in F1.
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Zhou Guanyu
The Chinese driver has done well but isn’t setting the grid alight. With Sauber set to become Audi, pressure is on him to deliver. His biggest threat is the academy driver Theo Pourchaire, currently atop the Formula 2 standings. However, with the Chinese Grand Prix returning next year, he provides a valuable marketing opportunity.
Logan Sargeant
The American driver is another marketable one. However, he has been off the pace compared to his teammate. He is yet to score a point and has been whitewashed in qualifying so far. Williams, however, doesn’t have any academy driver in F2. They have supported Logan and encouraged him to come good eventually.
The Haas Boys
Once again, both drivers at Haas find themselves at the end of their contracts. While Nico Hulkenberg has a contract till 2024, it is believed the team has an option on their side. Nico has comfortably beat Kevin Magnussen, but the Haas car has been terrible in races. The best move for Haas should be to keep both of them for stability, but anything could happen.
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