F1 2019 - Teams and Drivers - Who goes where?!

[Malt_Vinegar]

Ok, so it looks like time to work out what is going on next season. Lots of TBC's to be filled in and plenty of interesting things in the market to talk about!
Will fill this out and adjust the format as I get news and rumours over the rest of the season. Please feel free to add new rumours/news, but please try to link source where possible, so i can add the links to the text.

Team - Mercedes
Engine - Mercedes
Team news:

Driver 1 - Lewis Hamilton - Confirmed 2 year extension - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137515/hamilton-completes-new-mercedes-deal
Driver 2 - Valtteri Bottas - Confirmed for 2019 with option for 2020 - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137531/mercedes-keeps-bottas-for-2019

Reserve(s):
Pascal Wehrlein - Farmed out to DTM, not sure if he might get another seat? (Force India perhaps, to replace Ocon?)
Estenban Ocon
George Russell

Development:
None Listed

Rumoured:
Esteban Ocon (?) - Due to both drivers under doubt, he is on the radar as a Mercedes junior https://www.wheels24.co.za/FormulaOne/esteban-ocon-on-standby-for-mercedes-future-20180621

Team - Red Bull
Engine - TAG-Heuer? (Honda) - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136852/red-bull-announces-2019-honda-engine-deal
Team news:
Driver 1 - Pierre Gasly - Confirmed - https://twitter.com/redbullracing/status/1031616493631488000
Driver 2 - Max Verstappen - Has Contract

Reserve(s):
Sebastien Buemi - Return to F1 unlikely unless called in as emergency replacement
Development:

Rumoured:
Carlos Sainz Jr - in the running one would guess... https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137570/sainz-wants-next-contract-to-be-for-two-years

Team - Ferrari
Engine - Ferrari
Team news:
Driver 1 - Sebastian Vettel - Has Contract
Driver 2 - Charles Leclerc - Confirmed - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138634/leclerc-seals-ferrari-seat-in-place-of-raikkonen

Reserve(s):
Antonio Giovinazzi
Development:
None listed (Ferrari Driver Academy drivers?)

Rumoured: Charles Leclerc - Rumoured to be replacing Kimi- https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/136898/ferrari-ready-to-replace-raikkonen-with-leclerc

Team - Force India (Stroll F1?)
Engine - Mercedes
Team news: Financial issues limiting development - https://www.planetf1.com/news/lawrence-stroll-set-to-buy-force-india-report - Stroll senior looking to buy FI - ttps://www.crash.net/f1/news/899157/1/perez-financial-issues-restricting-force-india-f1-development
Driver 1 - Sergio Perez - Confirmed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/45905584
Driver 2 - Esteban Ocon - TBC

Reserve(s)
Development -

Rumoured: Lance Stroll - Could be a boon to FI ailing financial issues, and likely a better all round car for Stroll to get his teeth into - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137526/stroll-linked-with-force-india-switch

Team - Williams
Engine - Mercedes
Team news:
Driver 1 - George Russell - Confirmed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/45831954
Driver 2 - Robert Kubica - Confirmed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46300009

Reserve -
Development -

Rumoured: George Russell - being touted for 2019 drive

Team - Mclaren
Engine -Renault
Team news
Driver 1 - Carlos Sainz Jr - Confimred - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138057/sainz-secures-alonso-mclaren-seat-for-2019
Driver 2 - Llando Norris - Confirmed - https://www.crash.net/f1/news/904736/1/norris-replaces-vandoorne-mclaren-2019future/

Reserve(s):
TBC
Development:
Oliver Turvey
Nyck De Vries
Rudy Van Buren

Rumoured:

Team - Torro Rosso
Engine - Honda
Team news - Said to be up to 10 drivers in shortlist! - http://f1i.com/news/316326-toro-rosso-marko-ten-drivers-2019.html
Driver 1 - Daniil Kvyat- Confirmed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/45639663
Driver 2 - Brendon Hartley - Under pressure from Dan Ticktum - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/1...ail&utm_term=0_37b525b20e-03afedc46f-99685563

Reserve -
Development -

Rumoured:


Team - Haas
Engine - Ferrari
Team news: Keeping Both Drivers - https://www.haasf1team.com/news/news-haas-f1-team-retains-driver-lineup-2019
Driver 1 - Romain Grosjean - Retained for 2019
Driver 2 - Kevin Magnussen - Retained for 2019

Reserve -
Development -

Rumoured:

Team - Renault
Engine - Renault
Team news:
Driver 1 - Nico Hulkenberg - Has Contract - DR signing confirmed him as teammate.
Driver 2 - Daneil Ricciardo - Has Contract - Driver is technically "on loan" to Renault for Red Bull. How new Honda engine deal will affect this is unknown. - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135129/sainz-feels-like-onloan-footballer-at-renault

Reserve:
Jack Aitken - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134460/aitken-gets-renault-f1-reserve-driver-role
Development:
None Listed (Renault Sport Academy)

Rumoured:
Daniel Ricciardo - Rumoured to be taking main seat, after shock RB exit.

Team - Sauber
Engine - Alfa Romeo
Team news:
Driver 1 - Kimi Raikkonen - Confirmed - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/138632/raikkonen-to-return-to-sauber-for-2019
Driver 2 - Antonio Giovinazzi - Confirmed
Reserve -
Development -

Rumoured: Antonio Giovonazzi



Drivers in the running:

Carlos Sainz Jr - Dropped by Renault - Not confirmed anywhere yet - RB to replace DR? - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137570/sainz-wants-next-contract-to-be-for-two-years

Oliver Rowland - Driving for Williams - In season test in Hungary
Nicholas Latifi - http://www.f1i.com/news/306164-latifi-working-towards-securing-f1-seat-2019.html
Pascal Wehrlein - Maybe a seat at Force india as a Mercedes backed driver to replace Ocon if he gets a Mercedes seat. (all very speculative!)
Dan Ticktum - Talk of him replacing Hartley @ Torro Rosso - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/1...ail&utm_term=0_37b525b20e-03afedc46f-99685563
Robert Kubica - Claims to be hunting a 2019 race seat - https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/137363/kubica-my-mega-status-masked-rookie-reality

Seats likely to be open:

Sauber x1 - Leclerc's almost certain promotion leaves a seat to be filled
Mclaren x1 - Possibly two?? Although a total clear-out is unusual in F1.
Ferrari x1 - Kimi to leave - Looks like this is all but confirmed as filled by Leclerc promotion from Sauber

 

[The_Abyss]

Ooh, silly season is beginning!

I think that this'll be Alonso's last year in F1. There's no place for him at Red Bull, Mercedes or Ferrari, and if he wasn't already aware about how far behind McLaren are, there are no doubts now: light years behind Red Bull with the same engine. I doubt he'll be tempted by 'next year we'll be better and Red Bull will have a Honda engine' when Mercedes and Ferrari are still out in the distance. He's actually won something this year, and it wasn't in an F1 car. Norris should be a good replacement, but Stoffel needs to significantly up his game.

Hamilton will sign again, and I think Bottas will probably stay as well, maybe on a 1+1. Unless Ferrari put somebody remarkable in to partner Vettel, Mercedes will be happy with a dog average second driver alongside Hamilton. I'd love to see one of the younger drivers get into a top team though, and be given the opportunity to shake things up a bit. That opportunity just isn't as good lower down the grid, even if you're beating your teammate every race weekend.

I hope Kimi goes this time. He doesn't really add anything, and these days it is something of a surprise if he beats his teammate. Often disappoints, rarely surprises.

Have any drivers fortunes fallen further than Grosjean's so far this year though? He needs a remarkable turnaround to save his career, let alone his seat.

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

I keep hearing rumours, but nothing I can get a proper link for, that Stroll is just not happy with Williams, and may well walk. Possibly from F1 totally with his cash.

I also have heard that Alonso is offski.

Kimi is being lined up to be replaced, i think, with Leclerc

 

[Duke]

Red Bull's engine is TBC as well.

 

[GravyMonster]

I keep hearing rumours, but nothing I can get a proper link for, that Stroll is just not happy with Williams, and may well walk. Possibly from F1 totally with his cash.

Good. He's welcome to go and watch his career die in Indycar.

I reckon Alonso will stay another year in F1 then move to WEC.

@Malt_Vinegar I agree Leclerc more than deserves Kimi's seat, however Ferrari never go for rookies. The only driver I can think of in the last 30 years who drove for them with less than 3 years experience was Alesi.

 

[The_Abyss]

@Malt_Vinegar I agree Leclerc more than deserves Kimi's seat, however Ferrari never go for rookies. The only driver I can think of in the last 30 years who drove for them with less than 3 years experience was Alesi.

And, as a consequence, they've missed out on some top talent while a string of mediocre drivers have warmed the seat.

 

[Armageus]

Nicholas Latifi also looking to move from F2 next year - currently Force India's test driver
http://www.f1i.com/news/306164-latifi-working-towards-securing-f1-seat-2019.html


No chance of a Maldonado Return:
www.f1i.com/news/302888-chances-f1-return-now-remote-maldonado.html

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

Seeing mixed messages now with Stroll, some claim there is a contract extension in the offing..

Added and corrected OP with info provided above.

RE Ferrari, really hope they will change and take a young driver. They will have a solid number 1 and a young un is a good gamble!

 

[Mr Jack]

RE Ferrari, really hope they will change and take a young driver. They will have a solid number 1 and a young un is a good gamble!

I hope they ditch both, and upgrade Vettel to Ricciardo. I'd like to see Leclerc get the second seat if Ferrari weren't such a one driver team. No point giving it to Leclerc and then having him ground down by playing backstop in the manner of Massa.

 

[GravyMonster]

Seeing mixed messages now with Stroll, some claim there is a contract extension in the offing..

NOOOOooooo........

It pains me to see how low Williams are sinking, in terms of their place in the constructors championship and the level of drivers they're attracting.

 

[englishpremier]

Kimi is a weird one. He was blisteringly quick back in 2005, won the title in 2007 was still quick in 2008 (but reliability and incidents ruled him out), Got praise from Ferrari for being able to drive that dog of a car in 2009, since then he's been something of a journeyman. That being said, outside of Alonso, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Vettel, Max I don't think anyone else would be as 'quick' as him in that Ferrari.

Williams' drivers drivers are dire. There was quote about Stroll signing next year, but I'm expecting both to be shown the door.

At McLaren, Vandoorne is unimpressive and Alonso is bored but with nowhere to go other than join Kimi out of the sport. Given the lack of RB junior drivers now, I'd like to see him do a year or two at Redbull until they have someone else ready to step up to max. Again never happen though, he'd regularly be out qualified by Max, though Horner is so weak, I could see Alonso bending him to his will. Helmut Marko would be a problem though.

Ocon must be itching for new drive, but I can't see him beating Bottas at the moment. If Mercedes would allow it, I think McLaren would be a decent move for him, but that is highly unlikely. Perez is most likely stuck there unless he goes to Ferrari as a stop-gap until Leclerc is ready.

Of the Haas drivers Grosjean needs to be dropped. He's had his day and he's been throughly shown up by Maganusen, who might finally be showing some potential albeit far too late.

I'd expect both Renault drivers to stay, unless Ricciardo moves on, but I can't imagine RB calling up Carlos. He and Max don't exactly get on. Next year must be make or break for the Hulk. He's not exactly young, and he's done nothing despite his formerly high stock.

 

[KiNgPiN83]

I can honestly see Hamilton calling it a day at the end of this season to go off and partake in one of his off track endeavours. If he was going to sign a long deal with Merc he would’ve done so by now? Plus he’s never seen to have the whole wanting to drive for Ferrari thing like a lot of drivers have. I doubt he’d go to red bull as they have their own internal recruitement/drivers so where does that leave him? Hopefully he doesn’t do a Rosberg and drop Merc in it..

 

[4K8KW10]

I hope they ditch both, and upgrade Vettel to Ricciardo. I'd like to see Leclerc get the second seat if Ferrari weren't such a one driver team. No point giving it to Leclerc and then having him ground down by playing backstop in the manner of Massa.

Ricciardo is not better than Vettel for Ferrari. There is no better couple for Ferrari than their current drivers.
Maybe Vettel plus Alonso would be quite interesting to watch. Alonso has so much more in him to give us.......

 

[Mr Jack]

Ricciardo is not better than Vettel for Ferrari. There is no better couple for Ferrari than their current drivers.
Maybe Vettel plus Alonso would be quite interesting to watch. Alonso has so much more in him to give us.......

Of course, Riccardo is better: he's a faster driver. He's also more charismatic.

 

[4K8KW10]

Of course, Riccardo is better: he's a faster driver. He's also more charismatic.

I will believe this only when Daniel becomes world champion. Until then, maybe take Alonso and have a good fight with Vettel for the titles?!

 

[Mr Jack]

I will believe this only when Daniel becomes world champion. Until then, maybe take Alonso and have a good fight with Vettel for the titles?!

Daniel easily outclassed Vettel at Red Bull - a team that had moulded itself around Seb for years - and repeatedly put the third best car on the grid on the top step of the podium. Give him the right car and he'll win those championships.

Alonso vs. Vettel in the same car would be a great watch. I think it's unlikely Alonso will return to Ferrari though. Mind you, I thought his return to McLaren was pretty far fetched until it happened!

 

[4K8KW10]

Daniel easily outclassed Vettel at Red Bull - a team that had moulded itself around Seb for years - and repeatedly put the third best car on the grid on the top step of the podium. Give him the right car and he'll win those championships.

I do not remember Daniel beating Sebastian. Sebastian won four and the only driver who was competition to him, was Alonso in the Ferrari.
Daniel: "Max is faster than you."

 

[The_Abyss]

A review of the 2014 season should help jog your memory of Ricciardo taking Vettel to school: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Formula_One_World_Championship

 

[4K8KW10]

A review of the 2014 season should help jog your memory of Ricciardo taking Vettel to school: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Formula_One_World_Championship

I wouldn't count on that. Red Bull were clearly outclassed by dominant Mercedes and there should have been very little to no initiative or motivation in Vettel to prove anything.

I said Daniel: Max is faster than you!

 

[englishpremier]

Yeah Daniel schooled Vettel that year. The RedBull won races but only in Ricciardo's hands. Vettel's best was a 2nd place. Both failed to be classified on three occasions.