As the 2025 Formula 1 season opener in Australia approaches, F1 teams and their drivers are gearing up for the challenge. A new year brings new opportunities, not least for the reserve drivers who stand ready to step in should a replacement be needed for any reason. Here is an overview of the reserve drivers for the top five teams in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.
A reserve driver in a Formula 1 team plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role that goes beyond merely standing in for a regular driver who is unable to race. In addition to being ready to step in due to illness or injury, they carry out valuable simulator work at the team’s headquarters, attend technical meetings, and occasionally get to test drive. They often participate in rookie training during race weekends, gaining experience in an F1 car.
A new rule for the 2025 F1 season stipulates that teams must give a rookie driver the opportunity to participate in a free practice session four times per season. This is an increase from twice per season in the previous year, providing rookies with more opportunities to prove themselves.
Mclaren
Reserve driver(s) to be confirmed
McLaren has yet to officially announce their line-up of reserve drivers, but it appears that Pato O’Ward will fill this role. The Mexican IndyCar driver has been a staple in the team’s development program for several years and has previously conducted tests and participated in free practice sessions.
Ferrari
Antonio Giovinazzi
Antonio Giovinazzi was sidelined at Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2021 and subsequently returned to Ferrari as a reserve driver. The Italian has been associated with the team since 2017 and will continue to race in the World Endurance Championship at the wheel of the Ferrari 499P alongside his reserve duties. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with this car in 2023.
Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu has also joined Ferrari as a reserve driver following his departure from Sauber. The Chinese driver was part of the team’s development program from 2015 to 2018 and made his F1 debut in 2022. In 68 Grand Prix starts, he has scored a total of sixteen points.
Red Bull
Reserve Driver(s) to be confirmed
Red Bull has lost their reserve roster to the 2025 grid. Liam Lawson has been promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull, while Isack Hadjar from the Red Bull stable’s talent pool replaces the New Zealander at the sister team. This means the team may be looking at other drivers in their junior program, with F2 driver Pepe Martí and Super Formula driver Ayumu Iwasa being the most obvious candidates. However, there is a high chance that Yuki Tsunoda will take on this role, freeing up a spot at Racing Bulls for Martí or Iwasa.
Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas returns to Mercedes, this time as a reserve driver. The Finn, who previously drove for the team between 2017 and 2021, will be on standby for the Silver Arrows after his departure from Sauber.
Frederik Vesti
Frederik Vesti has been a reserve driver for Mercedes since last season. The Dane frequently tests behind the scenes for the team and will take on a number of rookie training sessions.
Aston Martin
Felipe Drugovich
Felipe Drugovich joined as Aston Martin’s reserve driver for the 2023 season as an F2 champion. The Brazilian has since conducted tests and participated in free practice sessions. He will attend a number of Grand Prix to gain experience and has an extensive test program with an old team car on his schedule.
Stoffel Vandoorne
Stoffel Vandoorne has also served as a reserve driver for Aston Martin since 2023, after two seasons on the grid with McLaren in 2017 and 2018. The Belgian came over from Mercedes, where he had fulfilled this role for many years. He will alternate his duties with Felipe Drugovich.
