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Formula 1’s free agent class of 2021 is absolutely loaded

By Asher Fair

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 leads the field into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 17, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 leads the field into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 17, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) /
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Several drivers are set to hit the free agent market after the 2020 Formula 1 season, making up one of the most loaded free agent classes the sport has seen.

The contracts of the 20 drivers slated to compete in the 2020 Formula 1 season coupled with the slated introduction of Liberty Media’s new rules and regulations for the sport for 2021 has created what could be a Silly Season for the ages.

Among these new rules and regulations is a $175 million budget cap, which is aimed at somewhat leveling the playing field. However, there are several exemptions to that budget cap, the most notable one being driver salaries.

Of the 20 drivers under contract for the 2020 season, only f,our are under contract for the 2021 season.

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Williams confirmed that George Russell is slated to drive for the team through at least the 2021 season amid rumors that the Mercedes junior driver would be signed by the factory Mercedes team after 2020.

Racing Point inked Sergio Perez to a three-year contract extension in the summer of 2019 to keep him with the team through at least the 2022 season. Renault’s initial contract with Esteban Ocon, which begins in 2020, is for two years.

Ferrari’s initial contract with Charles Leclerc, which began in 2019, was said to be for at least four seasons, and the team recently signed up to an official deal through 2024.

As for the other 16 drivers (80% of the field) on next year’s grid, none have deals officially lined up for 2021 at this time.

Among these 16 drivers are numerous big-name drivers, including six-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who could very well be a seven-time champion after 2020, and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. Rising superstar Max Verstappen is also slated to hit the market, as is former teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

Valtteri Bottas, Alexander Albon, Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz Jr., Pierre Gasly, Kimi Raikkonen, Daniil Kvyat, Antonio Giovinazzi, Lance Stroll, Kevin Magnussen, Romain Grosjean and rookie Nicholas Latifi all remain unconfirmed for 2021 as well.

Couple this loaded free agent class with the fact that driver salaries won’t count against the new budget cap, and this is setting up to be quite a crazy Silly Season.

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What will the 2021 Formula 1 driver lineup look like? At this point, it’s truly anybody’s guess, as there could be quite a few unexpected shifts across the grid.

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