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Norris, Verstappen and Leclerc could be battling it out for years to come (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The 2024 Formula 1 season is reaching its climax, with Max Verstappen ready to clinch his fourth consecutive drivers' championship.
Despite recent years being dominated by the Dutch maestro's exceptional performances, there are several promising racers who could potentially dethrone Verstappen in time to come. Be it Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri or another emerging contender, F1 promises to remain fiercely competitive for the foreseeable future.
However, an AI prediction of the sport half a decade from now reveals some significant surprises, familiar scenarios and even potential game-changing controversies and shifts. Whether it involves favourite drivers hanging up their helmets or the next prodigy snatching a seat from a legend, this glimpse into F1's future offers a captivating perspective on how the sport might evolve. So, from grid starters to fresh teams and new drivers, here's what AI envisages the F1 starting grid will resemble in five years.
Norris and Piastri could be McLaren stallwarts for years (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Red Bull
Verstappen, with his fierce competitive spirit and strong bond with Red Bull, could potentially have many world titles under his belt by 2029. The AI suggests that he may still be at the forefront for them, likely adding to his championship tally.
His partner might be Liam Lawson, currently Red Bull's reserve driver. Although not yet confirmed for the 2025 grid, Lawson is heavily rumoured to replace Sergio Perez and join Verstappen in what could be a long-lasting duo.
Mercedes
George Russell is expected to continue being a crucial component of Mercedes' future. By 2029, the Brit will be in his prime and is set to become the team's main driver next year.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old rising star from Mercedes' junior ranks, is predicted to join him in 2025. The Italian is seen as a promising talent, suggesting that Russell and Antonelli could form a long-term partnership.
Verstappe and Lawson will make a solid partnership for Red Bull, as per AI (Image: Getty Images)
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc could still be Ferrari's leading driver in five years. Possibly more experienced and potentially with a championship to his name, the Monegasque will be 32 in 2029.
With AI believing that he could excel in a car with superior handling, Leclerc could pose a significant challenge to Verstappen and Norris. Another promising talent from the Ferrari Academy is 19-year-old Brit Oliver Bearman.
As Leclerc's young protege, Bearman brings experience to the table after his debut with Haas, giving the Italian giants a formidable pair of drivers.
McLaren
Despite potentially missing out on this year's title, AI predicts that Norris, who has been leading McLaren for several years, will continue to be their key player and challenge the sport's top competitors for the championship.
Oscar Piastri doesn't seem to be going anywhere, either. McLaren appears committed to Piastri, and by 2029, he could be a seasoned race winner.
Forming a powerful team with Norris, McLaren's line-up is expected to remain unchanged in five years. However, they will have gained valuable track and podium experience they may lack.
Aston Martin
After reviving his career at Williams, Alex Albon could be viewed as the experienced driver needed to fill a more competitive seat at Aston Martin. AI suggests that his skill, racing strategy, and adaptability could make him a regular contender for podium finishes.
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin's development star, served as a test and reserve driver in 2024. But could secure a full-time position if he maintains his strong performance, potentially forming a partnership with the much more experienced Albon.
Alpine
Esteban Ocon has been released by Alpine for the upcoming year, however, AI forecasts suggest a reunion with the French team in the future, possibly after Pierre Gasly - who he's famously had disagreements with over time - leaves. Australian Jack Doohan, 21, is set to replace Ocon and is anticipated to manage the transition to F1 smoothly, indicating he'll be around for the long haul.
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Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Williams
In an attempt to recapture their golden era, Williams might consider Robert Shwartzman. As the team seeks young talent to ascend the grid, Shwartzman could offer the necessary boost, given that the Russian-Israeli is currently serving as a reserve for Ferrari and did so in 2023 too.
AI also suggests that promising British youngster Zak O'Sullivan could make his F1 debut within the next five years. O'Sullivan made his first appearance in free practice for the team in 2023, and, being only 19 now, he would still be just 24 in 2029, presumably with much more experience under his belt.
Haas
In a somewhat contentious prediction, AI believes that Logan Sargeant could emerge as a leading driver for Haas. The struggling American was dramatically dropped by Williams in August of this year and was replaced by Franco Colapinto.
James Vowles, the team principal for Williams, has suggested that it was a tough call to make after the Florida-born driver failed to secure a point in 2024. The driver was also involved in a collision at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.
However, AI predicts that Sargeant will return to F1 with Haas, aiming to provide them with stability - possibly once Sargeant has further developed his driving skills. Frederik Vesti, backed by Mercedes, could also find himself at Haas if Mercedes continues to utilise them as a customer team to place its junior drivers.
Having shared a reserve role at Mercedes with Mick Schumacher in 2024, Vesti might eventually find himself leading the charge for Haas.
Logan Sargeant could be back according to AI (Image: Kym Illman/Getty Images)
Audi
David Schumacher, nephew of F1 legend Michael Schumacher, has demonstrated significant potential in junior racing. With Audi's entry into the sport in 2026, the 23-year-old could become one of their key future drivers, introducing another Schumacher to the track.
Theo Pourchaire, a 21-year-old Frenchman, is highly regarded within the Sauber Academy. With Audi's impending involvement, he appears destined for an F1 seat.
Having served as a reserve driver for Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu in 2024, Pourchaire may be ready to step into the limelight soon.
VCARB
Ayumu Iwasa, a standout candidate from the Red Bull Junior Program, could find himself at Racing Bulls, maintaining their tradition of promoting Red Bull Academy drivers.
Isack Hadjar, a promising young talent from Red Bull's stable, was promoted in September this year to replace Liam Lawson as the reserve driver for RB Racing. The future could potentially see Hadjar making his way into VCARB.
David Schumacher, nephew of the legendary Michael (Image: Getty Images)
Key retirements
As time marches on, no one can remain at the pinnacle indefinitely, and this holds true for some of our beloved F1 drivers. AI predicts that by 2029, Lewis Hamilton will have hung up his helmet.
At present, the 39-year-old British icon is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, and while there may be another championship on the horizon for him, it's highly probable he'll be slowing down soon.
Fernando Alonso is another name unlikely to feature on the grid by 2029. By that time, he'll be in his mid-40s, and despite his remarkable career longevity, it's expected that the Spanish star will have moved on.
The same applies to Mexican hero Sergio Perez. By 2029, 'Checo', nearing 40 in five years' time, may have retired from F1. If the AI predictions hold true, he may have lost his seat with Red Bull much earlier due to the rise of Lawson.
New teams
Michael Andretti's aspiration to own a Formula One team suffered a significant setback when his proposal to join the grid in 2025 or 2026 was recently turned down by the sport's commercial arm.
Despite the initial resistance faced by the former American driver, AI insists that Andretti could successfully break into F1 by 2029. This could lead to further reshuffling and potentially open up seats for more American drivers like Sargeant in the sport.
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