Verstappen and Alonso could lock up the F1 driver market at Zandvoort

When Verstappen walks into the invariably packed press room at the Zandvoort circuit on Thursday afternoon, the expectation (or is it hope?) will be that the Dutchman provides clarity about his future. Will he stay with Red Bull in 2027 or not?

Whether Verstappen will answer that pressing question in Zandvoort is uncertain, but the outcome of all deliberations is essentially set. Under normal circumstances, Verstappen isn’t going anywhere, which means he will also drive for the Austrian team in 2027. Everyone within Red Bull assumes as much; it’s just a matter of waiting for Verstappen to make it public.

Once Verstappen has given Red Bull his yes, a key piece of the driver market falls into place. It’s very possible more announcements follow this week, with Fernando Alonso the main headliner. The Spaniard is said to have used the summer break to weigh up whether he wants to tack on one (last?) season to his illustrious career. During his media session, the two-time world champion will surely be asked what his decision is.

If Alonso stays at Aston Martin, another coveted seat is off the market. At the British team, Carlos Sainz was viewed as a potential replacement if Alonso were to retire. The veteran, however, is now set to remain at Williams - that much is clear. That surely has something to do with the limited options the Spaniard had: Audi is continuing with Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, while Alonso’s decision likewise preempts a Sainz move.

After the weekend in the Netherlands, any remaining driver intrigue may be confined to the smaller teams. Haas must decide who will partner Oliver Bearman: will Esteban Ocon still get a new contract, or will the American team give an opportunity to Rafael Camara or Leonardo Fornaroli?

Alpine must make a final decision in the coming weeks regarding Franco Colapinto, who is expected to take a third season alongside Pierre Gasly. At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are fairly secure in their seats, despite Nikola Tsolov being ready to step up from Formula 2.

There might be a small chance of a driver change at Cadillac. If so, it would have to involve Valtteri Bottas, since Sergio Perez’s position is very solid. However, there isn’t an obvious replacement for the Finn waiting in the wings, making a departure unlikely.