Seats still available on F1's 2011 grid

The traditional Formula One silly season has been in a state of slumber this year, with a 24 (or 26) car grid likely to remain mostly unchanged from this year's line-up. Despite just seven race seats remaining with the same drivers from the end of 2009 to 2010, most teams appear to be satisfied with their pilots at this stage of the season, with few rumours suggesting mid-season driver changes between now and Abu Dhabi, and little chatter about who is going where for 2011.

In the paddock drivers are remaining tight-lipped about their futures. Many say it's too early to talk about 2011, despite the new season being just seven months' away, a line being towed by those with reportedly secure and unsecure futures. The hottest talents and seats have already been swiped up, with the only changes now expected to be at Sauber, Hispania and Virgin.

At the front of the field, Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari have all confirmed an unchanged line-up for 2011, while both Mercedes GP drivers are under contract for next year too, although rumours surrounding Schumacher's future persist. Renault have re-signed Robert Kubica until 2012, while rookie team-mate Vitaly Petrov looks well on the road to retaining his seat.