Formula One: Which Driver Will Go Where In 2009?

Both Ferrari and Renault have enquired about the status of BMW's hotshot Robert Kubica for 2009. Having beheld his exceptional performances in the opening races of 2008, it's only natural that these high-flying teams should want to sign up the young Pole for future years.

Of course, it's ridiculously early to be starting "silly season" discussions like these. But since the rumours have already started, it's only fair of us to join in by speculating wildly about who might end up where in 2009! Here are my predictions about who the top eight teams might sign up for next year...

Ferrari

Räikkönen will most likely stay put, for 2009 at least. However, there are rumours that he'll retire after next year. As for Massa, his future at Ferrari was in doubt two or three races ago—the F1 world has little patience these days, and if you underperform in two consecutive races, then rumours will fly about the instability of your job.

Nevertheless, Massa has won two of the last three races, and if he keeps that up it's hard to see Ferrari wanting to replace him. Nevertheless, as we've already noted, the Scuderia seem to have their eye on Kubica. And what about Alonso?

McLaren

Hamilton will likely be at McLaren for several decades yet. As for Heikki—if he keeps up his Turkish qualifying pace, I can't see why McLaren would look elsewhere. But don't forget the Finn was McLaren's third choice after Rosberg and Sutil last winter—if Ron Dennis can get his hands on Rosberg, then don't be surprised to see Heikki leaving.

BMW

As we've seen, Kubica is a popular young driver—but BMW will surely want to hold onto him if they can. Heidfeld has proved himself to be solid, but has been underperforming relative to the Pole recently. It's rumoured that the Hinwil outfit have a long-term option on Sebastian Vettel, so perhaps they will exercise that and sign him for 2009.

On the other hand, if Mark Webber keeps up his excellent recent form, perhaps BMW will be knocking on his door. Or perhaps BMW will spring a surprise and sign former champion Fernando Alonso?

Renault

Unless Alonso goes to Ferrari or BMW, he's likely to stay at Renault for 2009. Nelson Piquet Jr. needs to up his game in order to keep his seat for next year, but given his talent in GP2, there's every reason to believe that he will do just that.

If not, young talent Romain Grosjean will be waiting in the wings to replace him. But if Piquet doesn't become better, Renault should be wary of fielding an unexperienced rookie for the third year in a row. Takuma Sato is also testing for Renault soon - if he impresses, he could be in the frame for a 2009 seat.

Williams

If Frank Williams can hold onto Nico Rosberg, then he will - it's as simple as that. As things stand, Kazuki Nakajima is doing a relatively good job in the second seat - better than some of his fellow rookies, at least - but should Williams fancy a change, they have the highly-rated young German Nico Hulkenberg ready and waiting for a 2009 seat.

Red Bull

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