Ferrari contracts expire: who are the best drivers for 2025?

At the end of 2024, as many as 14 drivers' contracts expire. But six drivers are tied up until after that season. A mega Silly Season is lurking, but what is the forecast at the moment? Ferrari hopes to secure Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz for 2024, but is that realistic?

When do Sainz and Leclerc's contracts expire?

At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz's contracts expire at the end of 2024. Frederic Vasseur would like to continue with both drivers, but the question is whether that will work out. Leclerc has been presented with a new five-year deal, which would see him tied up with Ferrari until 2029 and pocket 50 million a year. It seems to be a matter of time before that deal is signed.

With that, Ferrari need to tie a second driver down. Sainz is the right man to have alongside and would reportedly have also been given a similar contract. A shorter term and a lower amount. Sainz would not be keen on that after his excellent season in 2023. It is no secret that Sainz aspires to the front-runner role and is therefore also linked to Sauber/Audi. Yet at the moment, Sauber does not seem like the place to go for Sainz.

Which drivers could make the switch to Ferrari?

Should Sainz not renew his contract, Ferrari, led by Vasseur, will be looking for an experienced second man. This will put you in the same pond as Red Bull Racing but with the advantage of Ferrari being an iconic brand. Albon revealed that he is a big Ferrari fan. Should that team knock on his door, there is a good chance he will leave for Maranello.

Vasseur will also keep an eye on his former pupil, Hulkenberg. At Haas, the German shows he still has the right speed, has the experience and worked with Vasseur at ART Grand Prix in GP2.

Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez are also candidates for Ferrari. Perez if he is moved on by Red Bull, Ricciardo if he does not get the chance at Red Bull. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon are fighting a battle at Alpine where the winner might also be interested in a move up to Ferrari.