Max Verstappen might have been the unlikeliest driver to replace Lewis H♎amilton at Mercedes - until now.

Th♔e chaos at Red Bull means Verstappen has stunn𓂃ingly 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 driveꦯr market, which has already seen Hamilton confirmed for Ferrari?

Mercedes’ options?

Toto Wolff’s “long-term” option is to put A𝓡ndrea Kimi Antonelli into their car,♊ reports.

He is still just 17 and beginning his debut season in Formula 2 so 2025 might arrive too ﷺquickly.

Fernando Alonso is the 🎃other key option. At 42, he might be an eye-catching move, but he would be short-term.

But ✅signing Alonso would give Antonelli time to grow into the driver that Mercedes ultimat♛ely want.

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

M🎐ercedes have not yet initiated serious talks with Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Valtteri𒁃 Bottas, Esteban Ocon or Alex Albon, the report claims.

Albon is contracted through 2025 but the other four would💧 b🐠e up for grabs next year.

Wolff has insisted that Mercedes will take the🌼ir time - b🅰ut that will impact the rest of the driver market.

What is Aston Martin’s Plan B?

Aston Martin want to keep Alonso for a thi🌃rd season in 2025, and the driver has pledged loyalty to them.

B𝓀ut Alonso is al🍌so teasing retirement - which some interpret as a negotiating tactic.

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

Gasly or Bottas could alsoܫ co💖me 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 f๊uture depends on his results and performances this year. Last week in Saudi Arabia, he finished P2 behind Verstappen.

The team also has Daniel Ric✨ciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson within their RB ranks.

Ricciardo is widely considered to 𒆙be the likeliest alternative to Perez.

Williams’ Albon could also be brought back to Red Bull in 202🌠6, the report suggests, meaning they would want a one-year stop-gap in the m𒐪eantime.

Alpine driver seek exit?

Alpine’s tough start to the se🦋ason means Gasly and Ocon may𒆙 be considering their options.

Oc🐻on, as a Mercedes junior, will fancy replacing Hamilton.

Jack D🍨oohan and Victoওr Martins are Alpine juniors who could earn a step into F1.

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