As the 2026 Formula One season unfolds, the landscape of driver contracts is becoming clearer, offering insight into which racers are likely to stay put and which might be on the move ahead of the 2027 campaign. Below is a detailed rundown of the most significant agreements, supplemented with context and analysis to bring the picture up to a comprehensive length. Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension with McLaren just before the start of the 2024 season. His original deal was due to run out in 2025, but the new clause now ties the reigning world champion to the Silverstone‑based outfit at least through the end of 2027.
Given his performance level and the team’s ambitions, a departure before that date appears unlikely unless an extraordinary circumstance arises. A year later, Oscar Piastri also inked a fresh multi‑year pact with McLaren, this one guaranteeing his seat until the close of 2028. Both McLaren drivers now have overlapping contracts that extend well beyond the next season, making the prospect of an intra‑team shuffle or a move to another constructor a remote possibility unless the team suffers a dramatic dip in competitiveness. Mercedes has officially confirmed George Russell only for the 2026 season, but reports from Sky Sports News suggest his agreement is in fact a multi‑year arrangement that will keep him at the German powerhouse until at least the end of 2027.
This aligns with the team’s long‑term strategy of building around a young, talented driver alongside their seasoned champion, Lewis Hamilton. The German marque also announced that Kimi Antonelli will continue with the team for 2026. Antonelli, who entered the Mercedes driver programme at the age of 12, is still in the early phases of his Formula One career. The team views him as a future star, and it is reasonable to assume his contract contains options that could extend beyond a single season, especially if his development trajectory remains positive.
Red Bull’s long‑term relationship with Max Verstappen was cemented in March 2022 with a contract that runs until the end of 2028. However, the agreement includes performance‑related clauses that could trigger an exit if the Dutch driver feels the team cannot deliver a race‑winning car or if the new 2026 technical regulations do not suit his style.
These clauses were highlighted during the 2024 controversy surrounding allegations against team principal Christian Horner, which were later dismissed. Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized his desire to fight for victories, so any sustained dip in performance could reopen contract negotiations. Joining Verstappen at Red Bull is Isack Hadjar, who earned his seat after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls. Hadjar’s future will be closely linked to the strength of his teammate and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis.
If he can match or exceed Verstappen’s pace, the team may look to retain him beyond the initial term. Charles Leclerc signed his most recent deal with Ferrari in June 2026.
While the team did not disclose an exact length, they confirmed that the contract secures his place at Maranello for "the coming seasons," which is interpreted as extending at least through 2028, with possible options for further extensions. Lewis Hamilton made a shock announcement in February 2024 that he would join Ferrari in 2025.
The move was described as a multi‑year deal, and Hamilton clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he also has a contract for 2027, effectively his third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 reports that he holds a unilateral option to stay on for 2028 if both parties agree. Alex Albon renewed his agreement with Williams in March 2024, securing his services until the end of the 2026 season.
Having joined the team in 2022 and partnered with Carlos Sainz in 2025, a strong performance could see Albon negotiate a further extension for 2027 and beyond. Carlos Sainz’s contract with Williams began in 2025 on a two‑year basis, with clauses that allow the team to extend the deal beyond 2026.
Given Sainz’s reputation and the value he brings, Williams is likely to retain him unless the car’s performance hampers his ability to compete at the front. Liam Lawson aims to become the lead driver at Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad.
If Lawson impresses Red Bull sufficiently, a promotion to the senior team could be on the cards. Failing that, he will need to explore other opportunities for the 2027 grid, which will depend heavily on delivering strong results in 2026. Arvid Lindblad, the 18‑year‑old Swedish talent, is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid after notable practice performances for Red Bull, including a sixth‑place finish in Mexico City.
Consistency and avoidance of major errors will be crucial for him to secure a second season with Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, keeping him at the team until at least the end of 2026. At 45, he would become the oldest driver to compete in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975.
Aston Martin’s competitive position will influence whether Alonso decides to retire after his current deal expires. Lance Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The Canadian driver has a deal that covers 2025 and beyond, but the exact length is undisclosed. His performance relative to Alonso will likely determine any future renegotiations. Oliver Bearman completed his first full season in 2025 with Haas, showing flashes of speed alongside some high‑profile mistakes. At 20, he could become a sought‑after name on the driver market if he can translate his raw pace into consistent race results.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped after a lackluster finish to his Alpine tenure in 2024 and being outperformed by Bearman in 2025. Ocon will need to re‑establish himself in the intra‑team battle, especially as neither he nor his teammate has a confirmed contract for 2027. Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year contract when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025. While the exact end date is not public, his age (38) and family commitments suggest he may continue racing if the team offers a suitable role.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a former F3 and F2 champion, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations placed on him. Nevertheless, his improvement over 2025 makes him a valuable asset for Audi, and the team is likely to keep the 21‑year‑old for the foreseeable future. Pierre Gasly renewed his Alpine contract in September 2023, extending his stay until at least the end of 2028. As the team’s lead driver, a more competitive car could enable him to achieve surprise podiums when the front‑running teams falter.
Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and has since solidified his place at Alpine. Backed by executive advisor Flavio Briatore, he will need to raise his performance level to secure a seat for 2027. Sergio Perez returned to the grid in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year away.
Although initially confirmed only for 2026, Sky Sports News indicates he signed a multi‑year contract, guaranteeing at least two seasons with the American team. Valtteri Bottas, who also spent 2025 out of the sport, is understood to have a multi‑year deal with Cadillac that runs through the end of 2027, giving him another chance to add notable results to his career. Overall, the 2026 contract landscape shows a mix of long‑term stability for top drivers and strategic flexibility for teams seeking to adapt to the evolving technical regulations that will take effect in 2026. This environment suggests that, while a few high‑profile moves could still occur, the majority of the grid will remain largely unchanged heading into the 2027 season.