5 Seats Left, 6 Drivers to be Confirmed!

The 2019 grid will be well and truly different to the current grid. With Fernando Alonso retiring and Kimi Raikkonen moving from a top team to a mid fielding team. Only three teams are yet to confirm their full 2019 driver pairing. Yet, 6 current drivers are still awaiting re-signing or moving on from Formula 1: Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon, Sergey Sirotkin, Lance Stroll, Stoffel Vandoorne and Brendon Hartley.

Force India have been hinting towards re-signing their current driver, Sergio Perez and Williams' driver, Lance Stroll which would leave Esteban Ocon without a drive for 2019. Ocon is a Mercedes junior driver and therefore has backing from Toto Wolff, who is hopeful that the Frenchman will be in Formula 1 for 2020.

Williams will be parting with their title sponsor Martini. Therefore, they are warming up to re-sign Sergey Sirotkin, who has driven for the team throughout this season. Moreover, Sirotkin has major backing from the Russian bank SMP which brings him a step closer to driving for the British team next season although there is still speculation as to who will partner the Russian. Many believe Formula 2 driver, George Russell, is the most likely candidate, especially with his backing from Mercedes' Toto Wolff. Alex Albon, is another name that has been linked to a 2019 drive. Albon is currently 2nd in the Formula 2 Championship and has already secured a Formula E drive with Nissan e.dams and consequently may not be on the grid in 2019.

Toro Rosso have signed Daniil Kvyat for next season. They have yet to confirm who will be partnering the Russian. Sources have said the Toro Rosso team have given Brendon Hartley until the end of the season to prove himself against his teammate, Pierre Gasly, who will be moving up to Red Bull in 2019. Many believe Pascal Wehrlein will be the one to take the New Zealenders' seat next year.

McLaren have signed new-comer, Lando Norris and Renault driver, Carlos Sainz for next season which means that Stoffel Vandoorne has been left without a drive. The Belgian has hinted at moving to other series and will ultimately be out of Formula 1. Many believe he will move to Indianapolis 500 where his current teammate, Fernando Alonso, is expected to move to in order to earn the motorsport triple crown.

Only time will tell where these 6 driver will end up in 2019. Will it be Formula 1 or another motorsport series?