The 2010 F1 Drivers Market

(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Monaco used to be the first indication we'd receive of who might be going where for the following season.  However, with this year's championship standings being so topsy-turvy, trying to guess which team will remain or become competitive next season become almost impossible. With teams still debating over their participation in next year's championship, the driver market is on hold. 

Here's my take, however, should all current teams reenter.

If you start from the top, it’s hard to see Brawn GP or Red Bull wanting to alter their driver lineups.  Rubens Barrichello, who will be 38 next season, has reiterated this year that he is a top F1 driver and it wouldn't be surprising to see Ross Brawn offer him a new deal.  His teammate, Jenson Button, will definitely remain thanks to his patience finally being rewarded by Brawn GP's stunning car. 

At Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel will stay put. His cast-iron two-year deal with Red Bull, despite however much Ferrari, Mclaren, BMW, and others try to solder them off, Red Bull's handcuffs will not be broken. 

Mark Webber also looks set to remain.  Whilst not putting his teammate in the shade like he has done in the past, Webber has driven brilliantly all year and deserves his place.

Last year's title challengers, Ferrari and McLaren, could be set for changes, both in the driver department and the technical department.

Ferrari’s driver decision will rest upon Kimi Raikkonen’s decision to stay or not.  If he does leave, expect Fernando Alonso in the Scuderia next year alongside Massa.  Off the track, Ferrari look set for a major reshuffle backstage. 

Rumoured moves for Toro Rosso’s Giorgio Ascanelli and the former Jordan and Toyota technical boss Mike Gascoyne have been mooted, as Ferrari look to get over their woes from their terrible start to the year. 

McLaren, on the other hand, should keep faith with Hamilton and Kovalainen.  Despite the espionage scandal of ’07 and the lie-gate scandal of earlier this year, Hamilton will stay with McLaren, whilst Kovalainen should remain as he, like Hamilton, hasn’t been able to show his true ability.

Whilst McLaren could go with Rosberg or Kubica, the team will surely look at consistency to take the team forward, rather than a sudden outright change that could damage the team dynamics.  That said, having a German driver in Rosberg in a Mercedes-powered car is something with which Norbert Haug would certainly be pleased.  Behind the scenes, replacing former team member and stalwart Dave Ryan could be tough, whilst this year’s lacklustre could see changes to its technical lineup.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?