Formula 1: The drivers already under contract for 2021
By Asher Fair
Through 10 races on the 17-race 2020 Formula 1 calendar, 11 drivers have confirmed rides for the 2021 season. Here’s a brief rundown.
Following an offseason that saw only two driver lineup changes and only one rookie introduced to the sport, which proved to be an advantage this year, of all years, considering the uncertainty that ensured with the unexpected coronavirus pandemic, there are still quite a few things that need to be shored up in terms of the 2021 Formula 1 grid.
Despite a slew of confirmations prior to the 2020 season’s eventual opening race in early July and more confirmations throughout the year, only 11 drivers among seven of the sport’s 10 teams are under contract to compete in the 2021 season.
While every single grid spot for the 2020 season was solidified before the 2020 season ended, only one driver entered the offseason between the 2019 and 2020 seasons with a seat which had been entirely confirmed for 2021.
Here is a brief rundown of the 11 drivers who have been confirmed for next year.
Mercedes
- Valtteri Bottas: signed a one-year contract extension in July
Red Bull
- Max Verstappen: signed a multi-year deal that runs through 2023 in January
McLaren
- Lando Norris: confirmed by McLaren for 2021 in May; had previously signed a long-term deal in July of 2019
- Daniel Ricciardo: signed a multi-year deal in May; currently competes for Renault
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Aston Martin (Racing Point)
- Sebastian Vettel: signed a multi-year deal in September; currently competes for Ferrari
Alpine (Renault)
- Esteban Ocon: signed a two-year deal in August of 2019
- Fernando Alonso: signed a two-year deal in July; set to compete out of retirement after initially retiring following the 2018 season
Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc: signed a multi-year deal that runs through 2024 in December of 2019
- Carlos Sainz Jr.: signed a two-year deal in May; currently competes for McLaren
Williams
- George Russell: confirmed by Williams for 2021 in July of 2019 and then again in July of 2020
- Nicholas Latifi: confirmed by Williams for 2021 in July along with Russell
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While 11 drivers have deals to compete in the 2021 Formula 1 season, there are still nine open seats among six teams, including six at three teams that have yet to confirm anybody for next year (AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo and Haas). Who will join these 11 drivers and sign to compete next year, and where will the remaining nine competitors end up?