Projected 2018 driver lineup
Sauber, Ferrari
Antonio Giovinazzi, 23, is a driver who Ferrari wants Sauber to sign in the 2018 season, and the odds of it happening are pretty solid. Giovinazzi drove in two races for Sauber to start this season as Pascal Wehrlein’s temporary replacement, so he does have some Formula One race experience under his belt even without ever having a full-time ride before. He has also been a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas this season.
Ever since Sauber renewed their engine deal with Ferrari after their deal with Honda fell through in late July, Ferrari has wanted to turn Sauber into essentially the Ferrari B-team, and they want Sauber to sign Giovinazzi. Given the fact that Wehrlein’s future and the future of his Sauber teammate Marcus Ericsson are uncertain, Giovinazzi has an even better chance to land this ride next season.
Charles Leclerc, 20, is last year’s GP3 Series champion and this year’s Formula 2 champion. He is probably the best driver current not in Formula One that has aspirations of being a full-time driver, and he may just get that chance next season for Sauber, especially since the futures of the team’s current two drivers, Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein, are very unclear.
Leclerc, who is in the Ferrari Driver Academy, test drove for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas last season. This season, he has tested for the former and Sauber, which signed a technical partnership with Ferrari for 2018. With Ferrari wanting Sauber to sign Leclerc for the 2018 season as well and Leclerc’s potential in general, he is also a favorite to land with Sauber next season.