My guess:
- Audi: Sainz
- Williams: Antonelli
- Mercedes: Ocon
- Alpine: Schumacher
- Haas: Bottas / Bearmen
Sainz will most likely join the most promising team left on the grid.
Toto will likely try to get Antonelli on the grid, but I doubt he will immediately promote him to a Mercedes seat. 1-2 years at Williams would be good training and keep other egos (like Russell, who spent too long there) in check. Ocon will likely fill the gap at Mercedes, where two experienced drivers are needed.
Bottas and Bearmen are a safe game for Haas, as they probably look for someone with potential (Bearmen) and experience (Bottas). Zhou might be also an option due to the sponsorship money.
Mick Schumacher at Alpine is more of a hopeful guess, as I believe Briatore will want someone with experience and a team player. Doohan might be faster, but Mick brings insights from Mercedes, and Toto is very persuasive in French.
Sainz holding up signups for the remaining teams.
What are everyone’s guesses/opinions here? Sauber (Audi), Williams or Alpine for 2025 and beyond?
With Sargeant likely headed to IndyCar, I could see Sainz to Williams.
