The 2025 Formula 1 season is on its way, and with that, let’s look at the reserve drivers who play an essential role behind the scenes for every team on the grid. Not only do they step in if needed on Grand Prix weekends, they also help with simulator work, testing driver setups, and, most importantly, the overall development of the car.

McLaren

The reserve driver for the reigning champions is IndyCar race-winner Pato O’Ward. The Mexican driver has been part of the McLaren family since 2020, when he signed a contract with Arrow McLaren. After securing his super license in 2023, he officially became part of the Formula 1 team as a reserve. In addition to testing, O’Ward had the opportunity to take part in Free Practice 1 at last year’s Mexican Grand Prix, where he received a heartwarming and loud support from his home crowd.

Ferrari

After being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015 to 2018, former Kick Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu has returned to Ferrari, this time as a reserve. The Chinese driver still hopes to return as a full-time driver, as he is rumored to join Cadillac next season.

His partner is Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been working with the Italian team since 2017. In addition to his role as a reserve, the Italian driver is also competing in the WEC Championship.

Red Bull Racing

Debuting in 2021 as an Alpha Tauri driver, Yuki Tsunoda remains a full-time driver for Red Bull’s junior team. Following last year’s driver changes at Red Bull, the Japanese driver was rumoured to be promoted. However, the seat went to Liam Lawson. Tsunoda has now also taken on the role of reserve for the senior team, which potentially gives him a high chance of driving the RB21.

Mercedes

After parting ways with Kick Sauber, Valtteri Bottas’ ‘What’s next?’ campaign led him back to Mercedes. The team where he became a ten-time race-winner and helped secure multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate. The Finn seems very excited to be back and is committed to bringing Mercedes back on top.

Bottas won’t be the only reserve at Mercedes. Frederik Vesti is staying with the team and will serve his duties for a second season in a row, as well as competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for Cadillac.

Aston Martin

2022 Formula 2 Champion, Felipe Drugovich, has yet to secure a full-time seat in Formula 1. Remaining with Aston Martin, the Brazilian driver is now entering his third season as a reserve, supporting both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Similar to Drugovich, Stoffel Vandoorne is also entering his third season as a reserve for the British team. However, his main focus remains on Formula E, where he races for Maserati, and WEC, where he competes for Peugeot.

Alpine

Alpine has secured not just one, but four reserve drivers for this season. With the promotion of Jack Doohan to a full-time seat, the first reserve driver to be announced was Paul Aron. After his successful Formula 2 season, where he finished third in the overall standings, he is now partnering with the French team.

Aron was then joined by Ryo Hirakawa, a former reserve for McLaren. An experienced driver who has competed and won in many different motorsport series, the Japanese driver is set to bring a lot of experience to the team.

Next in line was Franco Colapinto. After replacing Logan Sargeant mid-season at Williams, the Argentine made a strong first impression. Parting ways with the British team and signing with Alpine, Colapinto is now heavily rumoured to be a potential candidate for promotion if Doohan underperforms.

Today, news broke that Kush Maini is expanding his duties as a reserve. The Indian driver has been part of the Alpine Academy since 2023. Alongside his reserve role in the French team, he will be competing in his third season in Formula 2, this year with DAMS Lucas Oil.

Haas

Not announced

Racing Bulls

Ayumu Iwasa, has been part of the Red Bull family for a while now. He competed successfully in the feeder series, including Formula 2, where he finished fifth in the overall standings as a rookie. The Japanese driver is now serving as a reserve for the junior team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

Williams

Not announced

Kick Sauber

Not announced