F1 'silly season' began early this year, with the announcement of Sebastian Vettel's impending retirement in July sparking a number of moves from several teams.
Aston Martin quickly confirmed that veteran driver Fernando Alonso would be joining them from Alpine to replace Vettel, with Alpine then announcing that reserve driver Oscar Piastri would partner Esteban Ocon next season.
However, Piastri took to social media to state that he had not signed a contract with Alpine and would not be driving for them. The dispute was ultimately settled at an FIA Contract Recognition Board hearing, which ruled in favour of Piastri and he has now joined McLaren where he will replace Daniel Ricciardo.
Reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen has reflected on the "excitement" 'silly season' brings and more moves are expected, with Mick Schumacher's place at Haas under threat, Ricciardo searching for a new seat and Pierre Gasly considered the favourite to join Alpine.
"It was quite the excitement," Verstappen said of 'silly season' so far, before giving his thoughts on Alonso's move to Aston Martin and McLaren's decision to terminate Ricciardo's contract a year early.
Verstappen added: "With Fernando, why not? Aston Martin is still a team that wants to come to the front, they are hiring a lot of people so I can understand for Fernando to go there and try to build that up to another level is exciting, so I understand.
"For Daniel, I think he was in a situation where the car was not suiting him. There was no real improvement in him feeling better in the car.
"Then at one point I guess you talk to each other - of course, they have been talking a lot - but you say to each other that maybe it is better that we both pursue different directions. That's how it goes sometimes."
Verstappen added that he hopes Ricciardo secures a seat at another F1 team next season. "He is great to have in F1," the Dutchman said.
"He's a great guy, first of all, I get on really well with him. I hope he finds a place but, of course, it's up to him now and I don't know where he wants to go or where there is space for him."
