The driver situation for the 2021 F1 season

The 2020 F1 season has not even started due to the coronavirus pandemic but confirmation Sebastian Vettel will not renew his Ferrari contract has fired the starting gun on considerations for 2021. This is the long-term situation on the grid.

MERCEDES: Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are both out of contract after 2020. Rule changes being delayed to 2022 could make it easier for Mercedes to persuade Hamilton to stay but a replacement for Bottas could be considered.

FERRARI: Charles Leclerc has established himself as the number one in red on a long-term deal to 2024 but Vettel's departure has freed a seat which will be highly desired by many.

RED BULL: Max Verstappen has a deal until 2023 while Alex Albon possesses the other spot. But Red Bull are known for making changes and Albon needs a strong 2020 to keep his place.

MCLAREN: Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris impressed to earn deals with McLaren for 2020 but the former could be considered by Ferrari to replace Vettel.

RENAULT: Esteban Ocon already has a contract for 2021 but Daniel Ricciardo's move from Red Bull has not gone quite as well as hoped. The Australian could move up or down the grid, or yet stay in place.

ALFA ROMEO: Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi will bring experience and youth again to Alfa Romeo in 2020 but both would need new contracts to continue in 2021.

HAAS: Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean were both retained for 2020 after a disappointing 2019 for the American team who will surely consider at least one change if things do not improve.

RACING POINT: Sergio Perez is signed to 2022 and though Lance Stroll's deal expires after 2020 he will surely stay in place as father Lawrence is a major backer as the team rebrands to Aston Martin.

ALPHA TAURI: Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat will both hope to move back up to Red Bull should Albon's form slip. Any vacancy would likely be filled internally from the driver academy of Red Bull.

WILLIAMS: Impressive youngster George Russell has a deal to 2021 though could be an outside candidate to move to Mercedes, should a seat emerge. Nicholas Latifi joined for 2020 and brings much needed financial backing but must also prove himself on the track to be retained.