With Redbull and Alpine both making driver swaps who is next ?

The 2025 Formula 1 season has exploded into action with driver swaps that have fans buzzing and teams on edge, proving that no seat is secure when results falter. Red Bull set the tone early, replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after only two races, a ruthless move driven by Lawson’s struggle to match the blistering pace of three time world champion Max Verstappen. Lawson, now back at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, is a stark reminder of the team’s brutal history, from Pierre Gasly’s 2019 demotion to Alex Albon’s 2020 exit. Alpine, meanwhile, shook things up by swapping Jack Doohan for reserve driver Franco Colapinto after six races, frustrated by Doohan’s inability to score points in a cutthroat midfield. Colapinto, who dazzled with Williams in 2024, now has a chance to shine, while Doohan’s F1 hopes hang in the balance. These bold changes, unfolding before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, signal a season of high stakes and zero patience, with teams poised to act fast as the 2026 regulation overhaul looms. So, who’s next for the chopping block? Racing Bulls is the hot favorite, given Red Bull’s track record of swift reshuffles and the intense scrutiny on rookie Isack Hadjar, a young talent from France and Algeria fresh from Formula 2. Hadjar faces a steep challenge racing alongside Lawson, who’s hungry to prove himself after his Red Bull setback. If Hadjar fails to deliver, perhaps missing points in early races, or if Tsunoda crumbles under the pressure of partnering Verstappen, Red Bull could pivot quickly. A swap might see Hadjar replaced by a Red Bull junior like Pepe Marti or Ayumu Iwasa, both eager for an F1 shot, or Tsunoda returning to Racing Bulls if his Red Bull stint fizzles. Fan chatter on platforms like X fuels the speculation, with some predicting Red Bull’s Christian Horner might orchestrate another shock move to keep the team dominant. Racing Bulls’ role as a proving ground for Red Bull’s future stars makes it a powder keg for change, and with the team’s history of midseason swaps, the next shakeup feels just one bad race away.

While Racing Bulls grabs the spotlight, other teams are simmering with potential for drama, keeping fans glued to the driver market. Haas, with its bold new lineup of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, is a sleeper candidate for the next swap. Bearman, the British sensation who turned heads in substitute stints for Ferrari and Haas, is a rookie facing the grind of a full F1 season. If he struggles to match Ocon’s pace or navigate the chaotic midfield, Haas might look to reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, a familiar face with prior team experience, or even tempt Kevin Magnussen back for his steady hand. Ocon, fresh from a rocky Alpine tenure marked by clashes with Pierre Gasly, needs a strong start to silence doubters, and any misstep could put him on notice with team boss Ayao Komatsu desperate for points. Sauber, gearing up for its 2026 Audi transformation, is another team under the microscope, with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto partnering veteran Nico Hülkenberg. If Bortoleto’s transition from Formula 2 falters, Sauber might turn to Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas, a former team driver, to stabilize their campaign. Williams, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz locked in, appears solid, but Colapinto’s rising star at Alpine keeps them in the conversation, especially if an injury or off track issue opens the door for his return. Heavyweights like Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, boasting stars like Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso, seem untouchable, but F1’s unpredictability means surprises are never far off. From Tsunoda eyeing Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll’s seat to whispers of Horner’s own future at Red Bull, though these remain speculative. As the 2025 season charges forward, performance gaps, team ambitions, and reserve driver talent will dictate the next move. With the grid more competitive than ever and teams racing against time to prepare for 2026, the driver market is a ticking time bomb, and the next swap could ignite with one poor qualifying or race result.