F1, the driver waltz has begun

There is now a vacant seat in Alpine

The announcement of Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin surprised many. Certainly in this way the waltz in the Formula 1 drivers’ market has opened up completely.

His move to Lawrence Stroll’s team, where he will share the pit box with owner Lance’s son, thus leaves a vacant seat at Alpine. Esteban Ocon’s new teammate could at this point be Oscar Piastri, who has won Formula 3 and Formula 2 in a row in the past two years. On the young Australian, however, there is also Williams.

Williams itself is set to change at least one driver. With Alexander Albon almost certain of confirmation, it may instead be time for goodbyes for Nicholas Latifi. If Piastri goes to Alpine, then to Williams will go Nyck De Vries, Mercedes driver and reigning Formula E champion, or Logan Sargeant, who is doing well in F2.

The other doubts then concern Yuki Tsunoda and Guanyu Zhou, not yet certain of confirmation in Alpha Tauri and Alfa Romeo, respectively. Mick Schumacher, who was hoping for Aston Martin, is expected to stay with Haas at this point.

Finally, there is the McLaren affair, where Daniel Ricciardo always seems in doubt. But the Australian has a contract for 2023 and there are no viable alternatives for the moment.