With the F2 2023 season almost coming to an end, the grid is about to change. Here are some drivers that could make the step-up to Formula 1
Due to the end of the contracts of some of the F1 drivers, various rumors have begun to spread about who could be their substitutes. In the near future, like 2024, or even further away, like 2026.
The main candidates are the members of the junior programs that run in F2. These drivers have the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car during tests, on the simulator, or during the annual Free Practice session dedicated to rookies.
Here are some of the Formula 2 drivers we could see in the Formula 1 grid in the coming years.
Frederik Vesti
The Dane is one of the main candidates for a Mercedes seat, possibly Lewis Hamilton’s, after his retirement. Vesti was able to maintain the championship leadership until Spa. However, due to an error in the formation lap, he had to withdraw from the Feature Race. It led Pourchaire to overtake him in the championship.
Despite this, Vesti is recognized within the Mercedes junior program, as an excellent driver. For this reason, in October, he will drive with Mercedes during the Free Practice session of the Mexican GP.
If he wins the Formula 2 championship, he will most likely become the third driver in Mercedes. Maybe in the future, he could occupy one of the two official seats.
Oliver Bearman
Oliver “Ollie” Bearman is one of the top stars of the Ferrari Driver Academy. The young driver has always shown that he has the makings of a champion.
This year, despite a season in F2 made of ups and downs, he took home the first Formula 2 clean sweep in Baku in his rookie season.
HISTORY. MADE. 🏆@OllieBearman becomes the first driver to top every session of an #F2 race weekend! 🥇🥇🥇🥇
Extraordinary from the 17-year-old rookie 🤯#AzerbaijanGP #RoadToF1 pic.twitter.com/9nz6jCIKWS
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) April 30, 2023
Many think that Bearman could be the future of Ferrari, but it is too early to say it. However, in the paddock, there are rumors that at the Austin Grand Prix, he will drive with Haas during a Free Practice session.
Next year the English driver has to maintain the constancy in the victories (which he missed this season) and win the championship, if he wants to step up to Formula 1 in 2025 or 2026.
Theo Pourchaire
The current championship leader is in his third year in Formula 2 and seems close to winning the title.
Pourchaire is also the only member of the Sauber Academy. He has already raced with the Alfa Romero team last year for a Free Practice session.
The French driver seems to have been promised a Formula 1 seat with Alfa Romeo if he won the F2 title. However, his future now appears unknown, with the almost-certain renewal of Zhou Guanyu’s contract. The other option would be to replace Valtteri Bottas after his eventual retirement.
From 2026, however, the Sauber Group will collaborate with the new Audi team. Will Pourchaire be able to fit into this project and finally get into Formula 1?
Ayumu Iwasa
Among the most uncertain seats for next year is the one in Alpha Tauri. After the replacement of De Vries with Daniel Ricciardo, it is not clear if the Australian will keep that seat for the next few years.
Among the candidates for a seat in Alpha Tauri is Liam Lawson. Third Red Bull driver and now racing in Super Formula.
There is also Ayumu Iwasa, driver of the Red Bull junior program and currently racing in Formula 2. Iwsa was, from the beginning, a contender for this year’s title. Unfortunately, due to a series of mistakes, he is too far back in the points standings to win the championship.
However, his talent has been noted. Therefore, the chance to see him in a Formula 1 team in the future is still high, perhaps driving for Red Bull or Alpha Tauri.
Jack Doohan
Since 2022, Doohan has been a member of the Alpine Academy, and he had the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car several times. This year, thanks to his experience, he became Alpine’s third driver. Although Alpine seems intent on reconfirming the Gasly-Ocon line-up for the future, having Doohan as a reserve driver is a great opportunity for the French team.
🚨 Jack Doohan: FP1 debut! 🚨
Alpine Academy’s @JackDoohan33 will be stepping into the A522, taking over Friday driving duties in FP1 of the Mexico Grand Prix.#AlpineAcademy #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/Ga8LLC9pDD
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) October 25, 2022
The young driver seems to have recovered after a difficult season start, fighting for the podium in the last three races. Therefore, it is possible that, we will see him racing in Formula 1 with Alpine or with another team in the future. If he can maintain consistency in getting good results that is.
The step from Formula 2 to Formula 1 is huge. Plenty of drivers have succeeded, plenty of drivers have failed. Could any of these drivers successfully make the switch?
