Being a Formula 1 reserve driver is, arguably, one of the most futile jobs in the paddock, but history shows it can also lead to a big break and even a full-time drive for those who shine when given that rare opportunity.
Most of the time, these mostly very capable drivers exist in the shadows of Formula 1, waiting. Waiting for a call that usually only comes when one of the two regular race drivers is unavailable, typically due to illness or injury. Or bad performances.
Thus, every now and then, an opportunity presents itself. And when it does, a Formula 1 reserve driver can step out of the shadows, seize the moment, and hit the limelight.
We have seen it before. Nyck de Vries earned himself a short-lived Formula 1 career off a single standout performance at Monza. More recently, Oliver Bearman impressed when called up at very short notice to substitute for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, handling himself with maturity well beyond his experience. The list goes on.
For the most part, reserve drivers spend their time as stand-ins. They attend sponsor events, fulfil media duties, sit in the garage, and wait. They also talk to the media a lot. Most times for an entire season, nothing happens.
Still, it is worth looking at who will be on the reserve benches this year in Formula 1, and who might realistically get an opportunity to prove themselves should circumstances align.
Antonio Giovinazzi for Ferrari
Ferrari have opted for a solid and experienced option in Antonio Giovinazzi. He is not proven at the level of Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton, but he knows Formula 1 well. He has matured enormously during his time in the World Endurance Championship, where he has won world titles and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
However, it is common knowledge that should Charles or Lewis have to miss a race or more, Ferrari’s man at Haas, Ollie Bearman, will step up to fill in for the absence. Giovinazzi would probably only be brought into play if either of the regular drivers had to miss a session or two.
If Hamilton struggles to get on top of the new cars and is consistently beaten by Leclerc, there are bookmakers already offering odds that he could walk away before the season ends. Should that happen, Bearman would be first in line. And right it off happening at your peril.
At Mercedes, Frederik Vesti provides cover for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. With Valtteri Bottas now signed by Cadillac, the German team no longer have an experienced former race winner on standby. Keeping a young driver in the wings makes sense.
That said, unless force majeure intervenes, Vesti is likely to be the most bored reserve on the grid. Russell and Antonelli look bulletproof, and Mercedes appear to have a very strong car. Neither driver will want to miss a race under any circumstances.
Double duty for Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull and Racing Bulls share Yuki Tsunoda as their backup, making him one of the most experienced reserves in the field this year. Statistically and practically, he has one of the best chances of getting a drive, as he effectively backs up four drivers.
Being Max Verstappen’s teammate remains a poisoned chalice. A double edged sword that Tsunoda knows all too well, as do his predecessors. The latest victim is Isack Hadjar, who did himself no favours with a testing crash that revived familiar memories of how quickly Red Bull juniors can sink.
Everyone wants Hadjar to succeed, but if mistakes continue, Tsunoda will very much be on the radar.
At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson and newcomer Arvid Lindblad will spearhead the team that once launched Yuki’s Formula 1 career. This time, Tsunoda will watch from the pits, ready to be called up if needed.
If Hadjar does not shape up, will be be pushed up again? If Lindblad struggles, will he be sidelined and Yuki his replacement? Who knows? Remember, Helmut Marko is no longer running the ‘driver show’ anymore for the team he helped create.Â
Whatever the case the scenario creates significant pressure on all but one (aka Max Verstappen) in that bullpen.
McLaren operate at the other extreme. They have two reserves for their two drivers: Pato O’Ward and Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. Both are on standby should Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris be unable to race.At McLaren O’Ward or Fornaroli?
Again, this is another bulletproof pairing unlikely to miss a Grand Prix. But fate and timing have a way of rewriting scripts.
If McLaren need a reserve, who gets the call? O’Ward or Fornaroli? That decision will rest with Zak Brown and Andrea Stella. And let us be honest, their American CEO is never short of driver options.
Aston Martin has become something of a dead end for drivers
After a difficult shakedown at Silverstone and missing crucial running earlier in the winter, the car appears late and reportedly problematic. With the opening test in Bahrain approaching fast, a reserve driver is unlikely to be top of their priority list.
Luke Browning is on duty, pulled from the Williams young driver programme. It is hard to see him getting meaningful track time. But as history shows, illness can change everything.Â
At Aston Martin, Jak Crawford sits in the wings. Realistically, Aston Martin has become something of a dead end for reserve drivers. Fernando Alonso is unlikely to sit out a race voluntarily, and Lance Stroll will not be demoted under any circumstances, regardless of performance.
So what does Crawford have to look forward to?
If the Adrian Newey designed car proves to be a demanding beast, only the very best will extract performance from it. If Alonso cannot do so, it would not be shocking to see him walk away rather than spend another season at the back. If that happens, a door opens.
Stroll walking away is less likely, but stranger things have happened.
Doohan back in the Formula 1 picture
Haas have appointed two reserves. Jack Doohan joins after a deeply disappointing Alpine stint that nearly derailed his career. Ryo Hirakawa is also on standby, bringing not only talent but a growing Toyota connection.
If a call comes, Doohan would likely be first due to his limited Formula 1 experience, but Hirakawa cannot be discounted.
Alpine have Paul Aron waiting for his chance. He may be closer than many think. Franco Colapinto crashes too often and has yet to justify his place on the grid. While he brings funding and popularity, his performances lag far behind Pierre Gasly.
If that trend continues, Aron could well be promoted. Gasly is entrenched, but Aron has a genuine shot.
Cadillac’s race line up of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez was a no brainer. Two proven, experienced drivers who should never have been sidelined last season. They will want to be in those cars every minute possible.
Still, this is a new team. Things can go wrong. Waiting for his chance is Zhou Guanyu, keen to prove he was not a one-hit wonder in Formula 1.
Finally, Audi have yet to name their reserve. They will need someone to back up Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as the former Sauber team enters its next phase.
And that is the list. Drivers whose careers depend, unfortunately, on the misfortune of others, their colleagues, their teammates. That is the reality of being a Formula 1 reserve.