Aside from the drivers competing in various junior series, some respectable older drivers outside Formula One could potentially perform well if given the chance.
Here is a ranking of drivers outside ladder series, such as F2 and F3, who could be worth bringing into F1. Some of them are already affiliated with F1 teams as test drivers, but not permanent race drivers.
1. Sergio Pérez
He ultimately fell apart at Red Bull, but we all know how competitive Pérez can be as a midfield driver. Maybe he’s getting worse with age, but his tyre preservation skills and street circuit guts are off-the-charts, and those abilities are attractive for smaller teams. Plus, Pérez is very experienced and brings big sponsors with him.
He could easily return to Formula One and will likely do so with Cadillac.
2. Franco Colapinto
Expectations were low when he entered F1 in the middle of 2024, but Colapinto surprised everyone and drove really well in his first few races before starting to lose focus (mainly due to partying).
The Argentine racer obviously has potential and will probably return to F1 at some point with Alpine. This time around, we can hope that he will tackle Formula One like a professional athlete – rather than someone just living his dream.
3. Valtteri Bottas
Bottas lost his motivation after just a half season at Sauber and cruised through the remaining years of his contract, appearing more interested in off-track activities. He’s still an excellent qualifier and a loyal team player, but he does not appear to be a driver hungry for success.
The Finn is extremely well-suited for his current role as the Mercedes reserve driver. He could perform well if he is asked to fill in for a race or two. It’s not out of the question that a lower-ranked team could bring him back as a permanent race driver. Perhaps at Audi, Haas or Alpine if one of the young drivers disappoints.
4. Stoffel Vandoorne
The Belgian competitor wasn’t bad in F1 and should have been given another chance. He was handed the worst possible cards by driving for McLaren in the team’s worst era, with the traditionally dominant Alonso as his teammate.
We believe Vandoorne’s potential would be around that of Ocon/Gasly/Albon; in other words, he would certainly be good enough for a midfield drive in F1. Had he been allowed to continue for McLaren in 2019, he might have had a Sainz-style revival. At this point, it’s probably too late to return, so his career will always be a what-if.
5. Felipe Drugovich
The Brazilian had an incredible campaign in his final F2 season. Drugovich should have been given a shot in F1. It’s more unlikely to happen now, yet it’s still not too late. If Alonso or Stroll must sit out a race, Drugovich could impress in a one-off and earn a seat with another team if there are some unexpected rotations ahead of 2026 or 2027. Hopefully he’s not too rusty if suddenly handed a chance.
6. Theo Pourchaire
Yet another driver who won F2 but did not obtain an F1 seat.
Pourchaire has been a bit of a disappointment in his other performances since then. However, based on some analytics, his peak potential could be close to that of Oscar Piastri’s 2023 level, so it would be interesting to see the Frenchman try his luck in F1.
7. Frederik Vesti
Vesti looked great in F2, and it’s a shame he hasn’t gotten the opportunity in F1. There were talks of him driving for Williams back in late 2023. He maintains a good relationship with Mercedes, but at this point, an F1 drive looks unlikely. If he impresses at other motorsport series, there’s a chance his name could re-enter silly season conversations.
8. Antonio Giovinazzi
He beat Kimi Raikkonen in his final year driving for Alfa Romeo. And he’s still involved in F1 as the reserve and simulator driver for Ferrari. Giovinazzi is great in the simulator and could be an asset for any team entering the sport. He’s not a top-class driver, but he could be a solid stop-gap if the junior market looks unexciting. We believe he is faster than Zhou, Ferrari’s other reserve driver.
9. Kevin Magnussen
K-Mag is not too old to return, but he took a significant step back in performance during his final season with Haas. It’s possible that Cadillac could use his experience for their first season or that Haas could bring him back in a reserve role.
He has these rare, occasional highs where he achieves top positions out of nowhere, but on most occasions, he’s a below-average driver. That skill set can be acceptable for a lower-end team. Plus the fact that he’s a team player who will help out a teammate when asked to, and sometimes even on his own initiative.
10. Paul Aron
Third in the 2024 F2 season after F1 graduates Bortoleto and Hadjar. He has a decent pace and is a reserve driver for Alpine. If Alpine finds him better than Doohan and Colapinto in the simulator, he could get a chance. It’s unlikely to happen, but the French team could do worse.
11. Mick Schumacher
He was roughly equal to Kevin Magnussen in terms of pace, but that’s not good enough to re-ignite an F1 career at this point. He was perhaps treated a bit unfairly at Haas, as he’s actually an okay driver – his management team unsuccessfully tried to get him back by testing for Alpine, but the team ultimately believed Doohan was a better bet.
12. Colton Herta
He could very well be given a chance at Cadillac in 2026. We don’t believe he is fast or consistent enough for modern F1, but since this could actually happen, he deserves an honorable mention.