F1 chiefs finalising 2021 drivers with Hamilton yet to sign at Mercedes, Alonso back at Renault and Vettel with new team

FORMULA ONE bosses are putting together the finishing touches on the calendar for the 2021 season.

While Lewis Hamilton has yet to sign his Mercedes deal, the majority of seats with the big teams have been filled.

Hamilton is yet to sign a new deal to continue his relationship with Bottas at Mercedes

But there are still plenty of places on the grid still available.

With the rumour mill cranking into action, we look at who could end up where next season…

MERCEDES

Lewis Hamilton – Expected to sign

Valtteri Bottas – Confirmed for next season

The world champions plan to stick with a winning partnership – and who could blame them?

While Bottas is already signed up, it is expected that Hamilton will do the same.

FERRARI

Sainz, right, will replace Vettel to join Leclerc at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc – Confirmed for next season

Carlos Sainz – (from McLaren) Confirmed for next season

A new pairing for the Italian team as Sainz arrives alongside Leclerc.

But if you listen to Ferrari, victories will still be a long way off, given their engine-power deficit.

RED BULL

Albon will hope to continue partnering Verstappen at Red Bull

Max Verstappen – Long term contract with the team

Alex Albon – Contract with the team but it is uncertain if he will be in the car next season.

Another option could be Nico Hulkenberg, who has impressed when he has filled in at Racing Point.

Pierre Gasly could also make the move back from AlphaTauri.

McLAREN

Ricciardo will be joined by Lando Norris at McLaren for 2021

Daniel Ricciardo (from Renault) Confirmed for next season

Lando Norris – Confirmed for next season

McLaren look to have an excellent partnership in these two, plus they will also use Mercedes engines next season too.

Podiums should be achievable.

RENAULT

Alonso will be back at Renault in 2021 – joined by Esteban Ocon

Fernando Alonso – Confirmed for next season

Esteban Ocon – Confirmed for next season

Alonso’s return is a boost to Renault following Ricciardo’s departure.

Can the Spaniard turn them into regular winners?

He is expected to be paired with Frenchman Esteban Ocon, although Gasly has also been mentioned.

ASTON MARTIN

Vettel will be joined by Stroll at Aston Martin after leaving Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel – Confirmed for next season

Lance Stroll – Confirmed for next season

Racing Point will be rebranded and with it comes a new, experienced face in Vettel.

Stroll will keep his place in the team by virtue of him being the owner’s son.

ALPHATAURI

AlphaTauri’s line-up is unknown, but they could promote F2 star Yuki Tsunoda

Unknown

Unknown

With Gasly, Albon, Daniil Kvyat all under contract at Red Bull, the sister team could stick with their line up.

Or another option would be to promote Yuki Tsunoda, who has impressed in Formula 2.

HAAS

Mick Schumacher could race for Haas next season with Magnussen and Grosjean out

Unknown

Unknown

Haas boss, Guenther Steiner, is weighing up his options with Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean out.

Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez and Mick Schumacher have been listed as possible replacements.

F2 star Nikita Mazepin – son of a Russian billionaire, Dmitry Mazepin – is another in the frame.

ALFA ROMEO

Kimi Raikkonen is out out contract by Alfa Romeo are likely to retain him

Unknown

Unknown

Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi are both out of contract next season, yet sources in the paddock think the Finn will be retained.

As for his team-mate? Ferrari juniors Schumacher, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman could be possible options.

WILLIAMS

Russell and Latifi are the confirmed racers for Williams in 2021

George Russell – Confirmed for next season

Nicholas Latifi – Confirmed for next season

Both drivers expect to remain in the team, but that said there are plenty of suggestions that Perez could replace Russell, who is on loan from Mercedes.

Perez would bring in sponsorship money for the team’s new owners.