Mercedes: Recently it looks like both Mercedes and Hamilton want to continue with each other, which given Wolff's stance on harmony should rule out Verstappen, realistically. But many things can change in a year. Bottas being retained seems also not unlikely, since Russell has still another year on his Williams contract, and is unlikely to be able to show more in 2020 than he already did in 2019. Recently Wolff has also said that Mercedes will likely continue in F1 too.
Ferrari: Leclerc has a contract till 2022 and will likely extent it soon enough. The questionmark is the 2nd seat: Binotto has recently mentioned that Ferrari will prefer to have a Mercedes-esque set-up in the future. Whether drivers like Vettel, Ricciardo or even Hamilton, Verstappen fit to this description is remained to be seen.
Red Bull: The signs of the Verstappen camp indicate more and more that Verstappen will more likely stay. Possibly the options are just missing or Red Bull's performance in 2020 will determine his decision. Should he leave the most likely options to replace him are probably Ricciardo & Vettel. It's also not impossible that either of them returns to Red Bull alongside Verstappen should Albon fail to make an impression. Marko has stated that Red Bull will continue in F1 if Honda does, which seems likely.
McLaren: In all likehood the current pairing will stay on (length of their current contracts is unknown), however it's not impossible that either of them ends up getting an offer from an top team as the 2nd driver (at Ferrari?) should they deliver a impressive season. Should either of them leave it's not clear who would replace them. In recent years McLaren has often promoted their own young drivers, but except of the IndyCar guys (who are missing super licence points anyways) they currently dont have any who could be serously considered. The team will make a switch from Renault to Mercedes engines.
Renault: The future of the team itself is a big questionmark, should they stay however Ocon has a contract for 2021 already. Ricciardo extending will heavily depend on the team' development and his options. Besides established drivers F2 driver Zhou could be an option. Should there be desire for a pure French team Gasly and Grosjean might be high up on the list.
Racing Point: Perez has a contract till 2022 and it's also unlikely that Stroll would kick out his son. Unlikely that anything will change here.
Alpha Tauri: Vips and Tsunoda could with a good season end up being promoted, and it's not impossible that Albon will get demoted. Kvyat would be most likely first to go in that case, if not both.
Alfa: If Kimi retires Alfa would need a new team leader to support whichever Ferrari junior will end up in the car (most likely Schumacher, but Shwartzman and Armstrong could also have a shot). Hulkenberg could be a option for that. Or maybe it will be Giovinazzi himself? There were also recently rumours about a switch to Honda engines and the exit of the Alfa brand.
Haas: The future of the team is very uncertain. Should they stay there probably arent many options besides the current drivers if the team continues to struggle. Ferrari juniors if Steiner gives up the requirement for experienced drivers could be an option. As well as possible Toro Rosso rejects and whoever else ends up without a seat.
Williams: Russell has a contract till 2021, unless Mercedes snatches him up he will most likely stay until then. Latifi will most likely be hired for 2020 and I guess beyond.
Edited by Marklar, 12 November 2019 - 18:10.
..... I joke, I joke....
