An overview of the length of each Formula 1 driver’s contract as it stands in the 2026 season, highlighting possible movements ahead of the 2027 campaign. Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 season began, lengthening the deal that was originally due to finish in 2025. The extension guarantees that the reigning world champion will remain with McLaren until at least the close of 2027, giving the team a stable core for the next few years. Oscar Piastri also signed a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season.
His new contract ties him to McLaren through the end of 2028. Assuming no internal conflict or a dramatic drop in form, both Norris and Piastri appear set to stay put for the foreseeable future. Mercedes officially announced that George Russell would race for them in 2026, after months of speculation during the previous summer.
However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell’s deal is in fact a multi‑year agreement, meaning he will be under the Mercedes banner until at least the end of 2027. In parallel, Mercedes confirmed that young Italian Kimi Antonelli will continue with the team for the 2026 season.
Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes driver programme since he was twelve, and the outfit still regards him as a future star. Given his early‑career status, it is reasonable to expect his contract to contain longer‑term options that could see him stay beyond a single year, possibly with clauses that give the team the right to promote him to a race seat when the opportunity arises.
Max Verstappen signed a long‑term contract in March 2022 that keeps him at Red Bull through the end of 2028. The agreement reportedly contains performance‑related triggers that could allow either party to part ways if certain targets are not met. Those clauses came to public attention in 2024 when allegations of misconduct involving team principal Christian Horner were investigated and later dismissed. Verstappen has repeatedly said he wants to remain in a car capable of fighting for victories.
Should Red Bull be unable to deliver a competitive package under the new 2026 regulations, or should Verstappen lose enthusiasm for the car, the performance clauses could open the door to a departure. Isack Hadjar is poised to become the seventh driver in eight years to sit alongside Verstappen at Red Bull after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls.
His future will largely depend on how closely his performance aligns with Verstappen’s, as well as on the overall competitiveness of the RB22 chassis. Charles Leclerc renewed his contract with Ferrari in June 2026.
While the team did not disclose the exact term, a statement confirmed that the agreement secures Leclerc’s place at Maranello for "the coming seasons". Analysts infer that the deal runs at least until the end of 2028, with possible extension options that could keep him at Ferrari beyond that date.
Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024 for the 2025 season, was billed as a multi‑year arrangement. Hamilton clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that his contract also covers 2027, marking his third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 reports that he holds a unilateral option for 2028, giving him the ability to extend his stay if both parties agree.
Alex Albon signed a new multi‑year extension with Williams in March 2024, confirming his place at the team through the end of the 2026 season. Having joined Williams in 2022 and partnered with Carlos Sainz in 2025, a strong 2026 campaign could see Albon negotiate a further extension covering 2027 and beyond.
Carlos Sainz agreed to a two‑year contract with Williams starting in 2025, which includes "options to extend" beyond 2026. Given Sainz’s high market value, Williams will be eager to retain him, although a lack of competitiveness could prompt him to explore other opportunities. Liam Lawson aims to become the lead driver at Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad.
If Lawson impresses Red Bull’s senior team, a promotion back to the main squad cannot be ruled out. Failing that, he will likely seek a seat with another team for the 2027 grid, but his prospects hinge on delivering strong results throughout the season. British teenager Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed during three practice sessions with Red Bull last year, notably finishing sixth in the first practice at Mexico City. To secure a second season with Racing Bulls, Lindblad must avoid major errors and ideally match or surpass Lawson’s pace.
Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, guaranteeing his place until at least the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the oldest driver to compete in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975.
Aston Martin’s recent performance struggles raise questions about whether Alonso will retire after the 2026 campaign. Lance Stroll’s contract details remain vague, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The Canadian driver has a deal that covers "2025 and beyond", suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father retains ownership. However, Alonso has outperformed him over their three‑year partnership, which could influence future decisions. Oliver Bearman completed his first full F1 season in 2025 with a blend of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes.
His pace has sparked speculation about a possible future move to Ferrari, potentially as a replacement for Hamilton. At 20, Bearman could become a hot commodity in the driver market if he continues to develop. Esteban Ocon’s reputation dipped after a disappointing finish to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being outshone by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon will look to regain form and out‑perform his teammate, a factor that could be decisive as both drivers await confirmation for 2027.
Nico 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 a father, Hülkenberg still enjoys racing and shows no intention of retiring, leaving the possibility of an extension open.
Gabriel Bortoleto, after winning both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has not yet reached the lofty expectations some set for him. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him one of Audi’s most promising young talents, and the team is likely to keep the 21‑year‑old for the longer term. Pierre Gasly signed a new contract in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
Since joining the team in 2023, Gasly has become Alpine’s lead driver, and a more competitive car this year could produce surprise results when the front‑running teams falter. Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season and managed to stabilize his performance, earning a full‑season seat. To retain his place for 2027, Colapinto must raise his output further, but he currently enjoys the backing of Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore. Sergio Pérez returned to F1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year away from the sport.
While his initial agreement covered the 2026 season, Sky Sports News reports that he signed a multi‑year contract, ensuring at least two seasons with the American team. Valtteri Bottas is also believed to have a multi‑year deal with Cadillac, keeping him at the team through the end of 2027.
After spending 2025 out of competition, Bottas hopes to add more highlights to his career during his stint with the newcomers. Overall, the landscape of driver contracts in 2026 reflects a mixture of long‑term security for top performers and flexible, performance‑linked agreements for emerging talents.
As the 2027 season approaches, the combination of contract lengths, optional extensions, and performance clauses will shape the driver market and determine which riders stay put and which may seek new opportunities.