Analysis: What next for the Formula 1 driver market?

The second Ferrari seat was the most competitive opportunity that in theory was available – so prior to Raikkonen's deal being done, it was always going to be a prime focus for managers and drivers as they moved to position themselves.

In the end, Ferrari felt that its future would be best served by keeping Raikkonen for another campaign – especially with top candidates like Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Stoffel Vandoorne, Valtteri Bottas and Nico Rosberg all pretty much locked up elsewhere.

But despite Ferrari's lockdown of its line-up – the Scuderia joining Red Bull as the only team with two confirmed drivers for next year – the likelihood is that there will not be much movement elsewhere either.

The next major driver confirmation is expected to be Rosberg at Mercedes, as negotiations continue in nailing down a contract that will keep the German committed to the world champion outfit for the next two seasons.

It is understood that the major elements of the deal have been put in place, and only small details now need to be finalised.

Button versus Vandoorne

Once that deal is done, attention will likely shift to what happens with Jenson Button at McLaren as his bosses work out whether they are better off keeping the experienced former champion or opting for GP2 champion Vandoorne.

McLaren has an option on Vandoorne's contract, so the ball is in its court about what happens – and it knows that a number of other teams, including Renault, are eager to secure the Belgian's services. A decision on that will not happen until after the summer break, though.

Equally, Button is well aware that there is no guarantee McLaren will retain him, and that if he waits for the team to make its decision later this year, he could find other opportunities closed off.

Williams is understood to be interested in him – and tentative first talks may already have started. Ultimately, if a decent financial package can be sorted out, then there is little reason to think the partnership would not be good for both parties.

Should Button indeed join Williams, it would likely be at the expense of Felipe Massa, whose current deal with the team runs out at the end of this year.

It is thought to be a formality that Valtteri Bottas will be kept by Williams for another season, especially with the team understood to have an option over his services that leaves him committed if they want him.

Renault line-up fluid

Should Massa find himself surplus to requirements at Williams, then Renault would be a likely target for him as the French car manufacturer continues to rebuild its F1 team.

Incumbents Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer are both out of contract, and Massa would likely battle with Magnussen for one of the slots at the Enstone-based squad.

Renault is also eager to sign at least one youngster to build a long-term plan around – hence its interest in Vandoorne – and reserve Esteban Ocon would be another strong candidate if he continues to impress. 

Force India already has Nico Hulkenberg under contract, and with Sergio Perez having a deal in place the only way out for him would have been for Ferrari to buy him out - something it clearly did not want to do.

At Toro Rosso, Red Bull has already taken up the option it has on Carlos Sainz, and all the indications are that Daniil Kvyat will be retained for another campaign, especially with no Red Bull junior drivers staking a claim for that seat just yet.

The most open situation will be right at the back of the grid, with the seats at Sauber and Manor all pretty much open.

Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr have good backing, while Wehrlein would almost certainly be retained at Manor on the back of his Mercedes links, and the strong form that took him to his first career points in Austria.

Don’t miss our British GP video preview…