Two Formula One Drivers Are Set To Swap Teams Mid Season

The Formula One season could be shaken up after just four races, with rumours of a driver swap between two teams on the verge of taking place.

Max Verstappen took his second win of the season last weekend as Red Bull Racing earned their first 1-2 finish 2016, at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.

It tied things up between Verstappen and Charles Leclerc on two race wins each ahead of the championships first trip to the USA in two weekends time.

Whilst the race in Italy wasn't the most exciting so far, it has been an interesting opening to the latest season, and it could be about to take a big twist.

According to Spanish F1 journalist Alberta Fabrega two drivers are about to swap teams, although he didn't confirm which drivers they are.

"The market is already moving. Things are moving but I can't say because they told me not to say anything," Fabrega said on the rumour.

"The one that leaves does not surprise me, the one that arrives yes. [... ] Well, it is a change of drivers between teams."

It's certainly something that will make for interesting viewing for fans, and for those who will be excited for the next season of Drive to Survive at the beginning of 2023.

Whilst there was no extra information on who could be swapping, there has been some rumours that Lewis Hamilton could be one of those changing teams.

The seven time drivers world champion has struggled so far this season, even seeing himself lapped by Verstappen on the way to the Dutchman's victory in Italy.

After the race the 37-year-old admitted that his title chances were over but he sounded defiant enough to suggest the swap won't be him, "We're obviously not fighting for this championship but we're fighting to understand the car and progress through the year," he said after the race.

"We have had amazing times together, highs and lows together, and I am 100 percent committed to this team and there is nowhere else I want to be.

"Just because we have hit a rough patch, it is not in my DNA to pack up."

Another rumour claimed that the swap could see Daniel Ricciardo swap McLaren for Alpha Tauri, with Pierre Gasly going in the opposite direction.

The Australian has also struggled this season and has regularly finished behind teammate Lando Norris since joining the Woking based team last season.

Sebastian Vettel, in an Aston Martin team that has so far only picked up five points from the four races, could be involved in a swap with Williams' Alex Albon.