Some of F1's biggest stars could be on the move —here's what we know and what is rumored about 'Silly Season'

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Max Verstappen (1), Sergio Perez (2)

2024 drivers under contract: Verstappen, Perez

What we know: Verstappen is in contract with the team through 2028, and Perez through 2024. However, that hasn't stopped speculation that Perez could be on the way out thanks to the growing rivalry between the drivers. Verstappen has won two championships with Perez's aid but shows little reciprocation, particularly now as Perez has emerged as the strongest title challenger.

Still, it would be shocking if Red Bull broke up their dominating lineup before 2025. And yet, with Perez failing to reach the podium in three straight races, rumors are heating up that his seat is not secure and former Red Bull driver and current Red Bull backup driver Daniel Ricciardo could be in line as a replacement.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko told Austrian site ORF that they are keeping their options open and will use an upcoming tire test to evaluate Ricciardo's abilities.

Franz Tost, the team principal for Red Bull's sister team, AlphaTauri, recently speculated that their driver, Yuki Tsunoda, would replace Perez, but not until 2025.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Lewis Hamilton (4), George Russell (6)

2024 drivers under contract: Russell

What we know: Hamilton's contract, set to end this year, was expected to be extended — possibly for $400 million. The deal was assumed to be straightforward, as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hinted in January that it would be done "in a few hours" once the two sides sat down.

Five months later, Hamilton has still not signed an extension. There was some speculation that a new deal would be announced before the Canada Grand Prix, but that race has come and gone. According to the Daily Mail, Mercedes has balked at Hamilton's demand for a 10-year, $250 million (£200 million) "ambassadorial" deal for when he retires from driving.

The Daily Mail also reported that Ferrari could be making a move for Hamilton with boss John Elkann in direct contact with Hamilton and prepared to offer him $49.3 million (£40.0 million) per year to switch teams.

Hamilton could just be putting pressure on Mercedes to make a more competitive car, as Sky Sports' Martin Brundle speculated. However, if he exits, early speculation from Sky Sports' Ted Kravitz is a driver swap with Ferrari for Charles Leclerc. One Italian reporter even called discussions between Leclerc and Mercedes an "open secret."

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Fernando Alonso (3), Lance Stroll (8)

2024 drivers under contract: Stroll, Alonso

What we know: Last year, Alonso's shift to Aston Martin stirred up F1's silly season. However, this year should be much quieter for the UK team. Alonso is on a "multi-year" deal until at least 2024. And as long as Lawrence Stroll is writing the checks, his son Lance Stroll's seat would seem to be safe.

Contrary to Red Bull's scenario, harmony appears to be prevailing at Aston Martin. The 41-year-old Alonso, a two-time champion, seems to be embracing his role as mentor to his younger teammate, Stroll.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Carlos Sainz (5), Charles Leclerc (7)

2024 drivers under contract: Leclerc, Sainz

What we know: At this point last season, Ferrari and Leclerc looked like they were ready to challenge Red Bull and Verstappen for F1 supremacy. But things fell apart, and the team continues to slide backward this season.

According to the Daily Mail, if Ferrari does land Hamilton, they prefer to pair him with Leclerc, transferring Sainz to a third team. However, they are also reportedly open to letting Leclerc jump to Mercedes in a driver swap. 

Sainz is signed through the 2024 season, but in a recent interview, he suggested he would look for other options this winter if he doesn't get an extension.

"I don't want to lie," Sainz told Motorsport.com. "I don't like starting a season knowing it's the last year of my contract. I want to know what awaits me in the long run."

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Pierre Gasly (10), Esteban Ocon (9)

2024 drivers under contract: Ocon, Gasly

What we know: Ocon is under contract through the 2024 season. Gasly joined Alpine this season on a "multi-year" contract. The French team is expected to continue with their all-French lineup for at least one more year.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Lando Norris (11), Oscar Piastri (t14)

2024 drivers under contract: Norris, Piastri

What we know: Norris extended his McLaren contract in 2022 until 2025. However, he opened the door for speculation of an early divorce when he said he is "not the most patient man" amid struggles on the track. 

With Alfa Romeo's potential opening if Zhou Guanyu doesn't extend his contract, Norris could theoretically join, though that seems like a step backward for a driver of his talent. Alternatively, Norris could be a Red Bull option if Verstappen and Perez's relationship is beyond repair.

Piastri was at the center of the 2022 silly season when both McLaren and Alpine claimed to have him under contract, but F1 eventually ruled in favor of McLaren, where he is signed until 2024.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Valtteri Bottas (t14), Zhou Guanyu (16)

2024 drivers under contract: Bottas (maybe)

What we know: Bottas, in his second year with Alfa Romeo, signed a "multi-year" deal with the team when he left Mercedes. Some reports say the contract keeps him with the team through the 2025 season.

Zhou signed an extension for this season but is not under contract for next year. It is unknown at this time if the team plans to look for another driver.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Nico Hulkenberg (13), Kevin Magnussen (t17)

2024 drivers under contract: None

What we know: Magnussen's contract expires after the season, and Haas could look to move on to somebody else. Despite his strong start to the 2022 season when he was brought back to the grid at the last minute, K-Mag has scored points just three times in the last 19 races. 

Hulkenberg has scored points in just one race this season. According to F1, Hulk and the team are both believed to have options in his contract for next season, although the team could still decide to go in another direction.

At the very least, expect team boss Gunther Steiner to again weigh all his options in the driver market before committing to either of his current drivers.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Alex Albon (12), Logan Sargeant (t19)

2024 drivers under contract: Albon

What we know: Williams announced last season that Albon had signed a multi-year extension to remain with the team, as expected. 

Sargeant, in his first season with Williams on a one-year contract, has shown glimpses of speed on the track but hasn't scored in the first eight races with only one finish above 16th. However, his unique position as the lone American on the grid at a time when the teams are fighting for the US market offers him some job security.

2023 lineup (current championship standing): Yuki Tsunoda (t17), Nyck De Vries (19)

2024 drivers under contract: None

What we know: Red Bull surprised many in 2023 when they went outside their own strong junior driver program to sign former F2 and Formula E champ de Vries, a 28-year-old rookie, to replace Gasly. With de Vries off to a rough start, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said if the results do not improve, Red Bull junior drivers Ayumu Iwasa or Liam Lawson might replace de Vries mid-season, quelling speculation that Red Bull reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo could return to racing with their sister team.

Tsunoda has shown improvement this season and better control of his temper. Tost's prediction that Tsunoda would eventually be promoted to Red Bull implies a strategy to retain him at AlphaTauri for the near future. However, Tsunoda recently said he is open to leaving the Red Bull family if a seat on the main team is not available and it means a chance to drive for a more competitive team.