As the 2026 Formula 1 season unfolds, the landscape of driver contracts is shaping up in ways that could influence the grid for the 2027 campaign and beyond. Below is a detailed overview of the current deal lengths for the sport’s principal competitors, along with insight into possible future moves. **Lando Norris (McLaren)** Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the start of the 2024 season, prolonging a contract that was originally set to run out in 2025. The new terms bind the reigning world champion to McLaren at least through the close of the 2027 season, and most analysts expect the agreement to run even longer, given the team’s commitment to him as a cornerstone of their project.
**Oscar Piastri (McLaren)** The Australian’s deal was also refreshed ahead of the 2025 campaign. A fresh multi‑year pact will keep Piastri with the Silverstone outfit until the end of 2028. Barring an internal dispute or a dramatic dip in form, both McLaren drivers appear set to stay put for the foreseeable future. **George Russell (Mercedes)** Mercedes officially announced Russell only for the 2026 year after months of speculation, but sources at Sky Sports News indicate the Briton actually signed a multi‑year contract that runs at least until the end of 2027.
This aligns with Mercedes’ strategy of retaining their young talent while they continue to develop the new 2026 power unit regulations. **Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)** The teenage Italian, who has been on Mercedes’ talent roster since the age of twelve, will remain with the team for the 2026 season.
Given his status as a long‑term prospect, it is reasonable to assume his contract contains options that could extend well beyond a single year, although the exact details have not been disclosed. **Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)** Verstappen’s long‑term contract, signed in March 2022, guarantees his seat at Red Bull through the end of 2028. However, the agreement reportedly includes performance‑related clauses that could allow either party to part ways if the competitive environment changes. Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized his desire to fight for victories; should the 2026‑era cars fail to deliver the performance he expects, the clause could become a catalyst for renegotiation.
**Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing)** Following an impressive rookie stint with Racing Bulls, Hadjar earned a place alongside Verstappen. His future will largely depend on how well he can match the Dutchman’s pace and how the RB22 chassis performs, but a contract extension is likely if he proves a reliable second driver. **Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)** Leclerc signed his latest deal in June 2026.
While Ferrari has not publicly disclosed the exact length, the team confirmed the agreement secures his services for “the coming seasons,” which is interpreted as covering at least through 2028, with possible extension options built in. **Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)** Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, was described as a multi‑year arrangement.
At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix he clarified that his contract runs through at least 2027, effectively his third year in Maranello colours, and he reportedly holds a unilateral option to stay for 2028. **Alex Albon (Williams)** Albon extended his Williams deal in May 2024, confirming his place with the team until the end of the 2026 season. Should he continue to deliver solid results, a further extension covering 2027 and beyond would be a logical next step.
**Carlos Sainz (Williams)** Sainz entered a two‑year contract starting in 2025, with clauses that allow the team to extend the deal beyond 2026. Given his reputation and the team’s desire to retain a driver of his calibre, an extension is probable unless the car’s performance deteriorates dramatically. **Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)** Lawson aims to cement his role as the lead driver for Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. Strong performances could reignite interest from Red Bull’s main squad, while a lack of results may force him to explore opportunities with other teams for the 2027 grid.
**Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)** The 18‑year‑old Swede is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid after impressing in practice sessions for Red Bull last year. Consistency and avoidance of major errors will be key to securing a second year with Racing Bulls. **Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)** Alonso signed an extension in April 2024 that keeps him at Aston Martin through the end of the 2026 season.
At 45, he would become the oldest driver on the grid since Graham Hill in 1975. With the team’s recent struggles, speculation about his retirement after 2026 is inevitable. **Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)** Contract details for Stroll remain opaque, largely due to his status as the son of team principal Lawrence Stroll.
The team confirmed in June 2024 that he holds a deal for “2025 and beyond,” suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father remains at the helm. **Oliver Bearman (Haas)** Bearman’s debut full season in 2025 was a blend of flashes of brilliance and notable mistakes.
At 20, his performances could make him a hot commodity on the driver market, especially if he can demonstrate the speed required to challenge for a seat at a top‑tier team. **Esteban Ocon (Alpine)** Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being out‑paced by Bearman in 2025. He will be eager to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, as neither driver has yet secured a contract extension.
**Nico Hülkenberg (Audi Sauber)** Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025, but the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and still enthusiastic about racing, he may seek to extend his stay if the team values his experience.
**Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi Sauber)** The 21‑year‑old Brazilian, a double champion in F3 and F2, has not yet lived up to the lofty expectations set by his rapid rise. Nonetheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him a promising asset that Audi will likely aim to retain.
**Pierre Gasly (Alpine)** Gasly signed a new contract in September 2025 that secures his place at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. As the team’s lead driver, his future looks stable provided the car continues to develop.
**Franco Colapinto (Alpine)** After replacing Jack Doohan mid‑season in 2025, Colapinto steadied his performance and earned a seat for 2026. To retain his place for 2027, he must continue to improve, though he enjoys backing from Alpine’s executive adviser, Flavio Briatore.
**Sergio Pérez (Cadillac)** Pérez returned to Formula 1 with the new Cadillac entry for the 2026 season and is contracted for at least two years. While initially confirmed only for 2026, reports indicate a multi‑year agreement is in place. **Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)** Bottas, like Pérez, spent 2025 out of competition but has signed a multi‑year contract that keeps him with Cadillac through the end of 2027, giving the Finnish veteran a chance to add further highlights to his career. Overall, the 2026 season presents a relatively stable contractual environment for most top drivers, with many agreements extending to 2027 or 2028.
Nonetheless, performance clauses, team dynamics, and the ever‑evolving technical regulations mean that the driver market could still see significant movement as the sport heads toward the 2027 calendar.