Lando Norris and two other drivers who could secure an F1 seat in 2019

David Cooper - Writer 12:41 21/08/2018
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  • With Fernando Alonso retiring from Formula 1 and Daniel Ricciardo joining Renault, the drivers’ grid is set to look a little different in 2019.

    Here, we take a look at three names who could seal a seat in 2019.

    LANDO NORRIS TO MCLAREN

    The Briton currently sits second in Formula 2 and is widely tipped as one of the stars of the future.

    Although Carlos Sainz will replace Fernando Alonso in 2019, Norris’ hopes of securing a seat should not be dashed just yet.

    McLaren’s second contracted driver Stoffel Vandoorne faces an uncertain future with the Belgian struggling for form – being the only driver in the paddock not to outqualify his teammate in the 12 races to date.

    It is understood that Norris will take the wheel for the first free practice in Belgium this weekend, with his latest runs part of an ongoing trial regarding his potential to seal a race seat with the team next season.

    DAN TICKTUM TO TORO ROSSO

    The Briton was tipped to replace Brendon Hartley earlier in the season but his main obstacle is obtaining a super license.

    The 19-year-old needs 40 points before he can be awarded an FIA Super License required to race grand prix, or 25 to take part in first practice sessions.

    If he wins the F3 European Championship title he will earn 30 points – on top of the five he has already – leaving him just five short of the minimum 40.

    The FIA reviews its super licence criteria each year so changes could be made that make the highly-rated Londoner eligible.

    ANTONIO GIOVINAZZI TO SAUBER

    The Italian drove in first practice for Sauber in Hungary earlier this month and will take that role for four more races before the end of the season.

    The 24-year-old has two career starts with the Swiss outfit, finishing 12th on his debut in Australia in 2017, before crashing out in China two weeks later.

    Uncertainty over the futures of Charles Leclerc and Marcus Ericsson means at least one seat could be available next season, and the Ferrari academy driver has emerged as the key candidate.

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