Guenther Steiner Expecting Driver Moves In Early 2024

Sunday, 31 December 2023 at 05:00

Guenther Steiner recently stated he expects early moves in the driver market ahead of the season 2025 as the drivers will want to have the security of a new contract before the season starts.

In 2024, 14 different driver - more than half of the grid will see their contracts expire. Some teams like Scuderia Ferrari have already started negotiations with their driver with the goal of having contracts sorted before the first race of 2024.

Both Haas drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, also have their contracts valid until the end of the 2024 season, and it is not yet clear whether they will want to continue with the team. As reported by Speedcafe.com, their principal, Guenther Steiner, said:

"We all know what is happening with the driver market. In 2025 it opens up. At some stage, we will have new drivers coming into Formula 1 because some are getting on in their careers."

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While some drivers on the grid are pretty old for F1, none of them have shared plans for retirement so far. Could perhaps some of Haas's drivers be thinking about retirement as well? Steiner continued:

"So you’re always thinking and seeing what is happening. You keep an eye on it, but it’s too early to make decisions."

Haas team principal believes we will start seeing drivers signing new contracts early in the year so they can focus entirely on their performances throughout the season.

"I think next year, a lot of people will start moving pretty early in the season to make sure that for ’25 they’re in a good place."

Carlos Sainz is a good example as he openly stated his goal is to have the contract solved before the 2024 season begins. Steiner also explained that time is a crucial component in negotiations.

"If you move too early, the price goes up; if you move late, maybe there’s nothing left. There’s always this balance to what you want to do."

One of the biggest question marks will be whether Sergio Perez will keep his seat in Red Bull beyond 2024. Many drivers might want to wait and see whether the team from Milton Keynes will be looking around for potential replacements.