Max Verstappen might have been the unlikeliest🌟 driver to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes - until now.

The chaos at Red Bull means Verst✱appen has stunningly been quizzed about a shock exit📖, and a move across to their great rivals.

But how might this colossal move impact the rest of the 2025 F1 driver market, whichꦡ has already seen Hamilton confirmed for Ferrari?

Mercedes’ options?

Tot𓂃o Wolf⛄f’s “long-term” option is to put Andrea Kimi Antonelli into their car, reports.

He is still just 17 and beginni🐻ng his debut season in Formula 2 so 2025 mi🌸ght arrive too quickly.

Ferna✃ndo Alonso is the other key option. At 42, he might be an eye-catching move, 🐬but he would be short-term.

But signing Alonso woꦗuld give Antonelli time to grow into the driver that Mercedes ul🐽timately want.

But Wolff was seen talking to Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, a week ago in Bahrain c💖reating the rumour that the Red Bull star could move.

Mercedes have not yet initiated serious talks with Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, ♔Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon or Alex Albon, the report claims.

Alb🎀on is contracted through 2025 but the other four ꦿwould be up for grabs next year.

Wolff has insiꦗsted that Mercedes will take their time - but that will impact the rest of the driver market.

What is Aston Martin’s Plan B?

Aston Martin want to keep Alo🦹nso for a third season in 2025, and the driver has pledged loyalty to them.

But Alonso is also teasing retirement - which some intꦑerpret as a negoꦛtiating tactic.

If he leaves, Aston Martin could look to Sainz🐻 - who is in desperate need of a seat after bℱeing replaced at Ferrari by Hamilton.

G🍨asly or Bottas could also come into the picture. But so could Sergio Perez, if he🍷 is ousted at Red Bull.

Will Sergio Perez be axed at Red Bull?

Christian Horner says that Perez’s future depends on his results and perfor🌜mances this year. Last week in Saudi Arabia, he finished P2 behind Verstappen.

Theও team also has Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Liꦉam Lawson within their RB ranks.

Ri💛cciardo is widely considered to be the likeliest alternative to Pere🍸z.

Williams’ Albon could also be brought back to Red Bull in 2026, the report suggests, 🎶meaning they would want a one-year stop-gap in the meantime.

Alpine driver seek exit?

Alpine’s to꧟ugh start to the season means Gasly and Oc𝓀on may be considering their options.

Ocon, as a Mer𝓰cedes junior, will fancy replacing Hamil﷽ton.

Jack Doohan and Victor Martins are Alpine juniors who could earn a step🌳 into F1.

But F1.com reports that “everyone is waiting for Mercedes to make a move” - meaning until Wolf𓄧f makes his big decision, the other drivers will wait…