These F1 drivers have already been signed up for 2023 (& those who haven't)

On Wednesday afternoon, McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo announced the premature end of their collaboration. The contract of the Australian ran through to 2023, but has been bought out by the Woking-based racing team. It means that an extra seat has become available for next year.

From the three top teams in Formula 1, Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari, we have known for months what the line-up for 2023 looks like. Aston Martin is the only team that has already completed its line-up, or so we assume. There is little chance that Lance Stroll will be sent packing by his own father. All other teams have one driver under contract for next season. It promises to be an interesting silly season in the second half of the season.

Still plenty of spots to be given away

At McLaren, they will find a new teammate for Lando Norris. Ricciardo did not live up to expectations the past season and a half and has now been shown the door. Top candidate is Oscar Piastri. The talented Australian was going to join Alpine, but he politely declined that option. He has his sights set on McLaren. The question is whether Piastri can just switch and tear up his Alpine contract. Probably a judge will have to look into this.

Alpine thought they had their affairs in order, but this is no longer the case because of Piastri's U-turn. It is possible that Ricciardo will join the French team, as he did in 2019 and 2020. At Haas F1, Kevin Magnussen is under contract and Mick Schumacher has a chance of a contract extension, but possibly Guenther Steiner will choose another name after all. Ricciardo is said to have been approached by Haas F1 last month.

At AlphaTauri Yuki Tsunoda seems to be sure of a new contract, but it is not official yet. Alfa Romeo Racing may choose to continue with Guanyu Zhou. Internally they are satisfied with the Chinese driver, but the performance is a bit disappointing compared to Valtteri Bottas. Nicholas Latifi's performance in the Williams car has also been disappointing and he seems to be the most feared of the current grid for his future in the premier class of motorsport.

F1 drivers confirmed for 2023

Red Bull Racing :Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz

Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

McLaren: Lando Norris

Alpine: Esteban Ocon

Haas F1: Kevin Magnussen

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso 

Williams: Alexander Albon

AlphaTauri: Pierre Gasly

Alfa Romeo Racing: Valtteri Bottas