The landscape of Formula 1 contracts in 2026 offers a fascinating snapshot of where the sport’s top talent is tied down, and which drivers might be on the move as the 2027 season approaches. Below is a comprehensive review of each driver’s current deal, the length of their commitments, and the factors that could influence future changes. The analysis also adds context about team strategies, performance clauses, and the broader market dynamics that shape these agreements.
Lando Norris – McLaren Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 season began, lengthening a contract that was originally set to run out in 2025. The new deal guarantees that the 2023 World Champion will stay at McLaren until at least the close of 2027.
Given his recent championship win and the stability the team has provided, a move away in the immediate future appears unlikely unless a major intra‑team dispute emerges or his performance dips dramatically. Oscar Piastri – McLaren Piastri also inked a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 campaign, extending his stay through the end of 2028. The Australian’s rapid rise and chemistry with Norris make a sudden departure improbable.
Both drivers are now core to McLaren’s long‑term plans, and the team’s recent technical upgrades suggest they will continue to build around this pairing. George Russell – Mercedes Mercedes officially announced Russell only for the 2026 season after months of speculation, but insider reports from Sky Sports News indicate he actually signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him at the Silver Arrows until at least the end of 2027. This aligns with Mercedes’ desire for continuity after a period of driver turnover, and the German outfit likely views Russell as a cornerstone for the next few years.
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes The young Italian, who has been part of the Mercedes driver academy since age 12, will remain with the team for the 2026 season. While the public announcement focused on his 2026 role, the nature of his long‑term development program suggests that his contract contains options extending well beyond a single year, possibly with performance‑based triggers that could elevate him to a full‑time race seat when the timing is right. Max Verstappen – Red Bull Verstappen’s long‑term deal, signed in March 2022, runs until the end of 2028. However, the contract includes performance clauses that could allow either party to part ways if certain targets are not met.
In 2024, the clause gained attention amid allegations against team principal Christian Horner, which were later dismissed. Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized his desire to fight for wins; if Red Bull cannot deliver a competitive car under the new 2026 regulations, the clause could be invoked, creating uncertainty about his future. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull (Racing Bulls) Hadjar, after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, is poised to become Verstappen’s teammate.
His future will largely depend on how closely his performance aligns with Verstappen’s standards, as well as the overall competitiveness of the RB22 chassis. If he can match or exceed expectations, Red Bull may consider promoting him to the senior team. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari Leclerc signed his latest agreement with Ferrari in June 2026.
While the team did not disclose the exact length, they confirmed it secures his place “for the coming seasons,” which is widely interpreted as covering at least through 2028, with possible extension options thereafter. This continuity reflects Ferrari’s commitment to building around Leclerc as their lead driver. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari in 2025 was announced as a multi‑year deal.
At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, he clarified that his contract covers at least 2027, making it his third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 reports he also holds a unilateral option for 2028, giving him flexibility should the partnership prove successful. Alex Albon – Williams Albon agreed to a new multi‑year extension in May 2024, confirming his stay at Williams until the end of the current season.
Having joined the team in 2022 and partnered with Carlos Sainz in 2025, a strong performance could see him negotiate a further extension for 2027 and beyond. Carlos Sainz – Williams Sainz signed a two‑year contract starting in 2025, with “options to extend” beyond 2026.
Given his high market value, Williams will likely aim to retain him, but a lack of competitiveness could tempt the Spaniard to explore other opportunities. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls Lawson is set to lead the Racing Bulls line‑up alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. If he impresses Red Bull, a move back to the main team cannot be ruled out. Failing that, Lawson will need to secure a seat elsewhere for the 2027 grid, which will depend on delivering strong results in 2026.
Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls The 18‑year‑old Swedish driver is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid after impressive practice outings with Red Bull last year, including a sixth‑place finish in Mexico City’s first practice. Consistency and avoiding major errors will be key to earning a second season with Racing Bulls.
Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin Alonso extended his contract in April 2024 to remain with Aston Martin through the end of the 2026 season. At 45, he 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 2026 or seek another seat. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin Stroll’s contract details are opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The team announced in June 2024 that he has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," effectively tying his future to his father’s ownership tenure. Oliver Bearman – Haas Bearman’s debut full season in 2025 featured a mix of spectacular speed and notable mistakes, sparking speculation about a potential future at Ferrari.
At 20, he could become a hot commodity in the driver market if he refines his racecraft and delivers consistent points finishes. Esteban Ocon – Alpine Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being out‑performed by Bearman at Haas in 2025. He will aim to regain his standing within the team, especially as both he and Bearman have yet to secure contracts for 2027.
Nico Hülkenberg – Audi (Sauber) Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now rebranded as Audi) in 2025. While the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season, his enthusiasm for racing and lack of retirement plans suggest he will fight for a place in 2027. Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi The 21‑year‑old Brazilian, a double champion in F3 and F2, has not yet lived up to the lofty expectations set by his junior‑category success. Nonetheless, his steady improvement throughout 2025 makes him a valuable asset for Audi, which will likely aim to retain him.
Pierre Gasly – Alpine Gasly renewed his contract in September of the previous year, extending his stay at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. Having joined the team in 2023, he now serves as Alpine’s lead driver, and a more competitive car could yield surprise podiums.
Franco Colapinto – Alpine Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season and managed to secure a full‑time seat for 2026. To keep his place for 2027, he must continue to improve, though he enjoys backing from Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore. Sergio Perez – Cadillac Perez returned to Formula 1 with the new Cadillac entry after a year out of the sport. While initially confirmed only for 2026, reports indicate he signed a multi‑year contract, guaranteeing at least two seasons with the American team.
Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac Bottas also appears to have a multi‑year deal with Cadillac, keeping him at the team through the end of 2027. After a year away from the grid in 2025, both he and Perez will look to add notable results to their resumes. Overall, the 2026 contract landscape shows a blend of long‑term security for established champions and strategic flexibility for emerging talents. Performance clauses, team options, and driver aspirations will continue to shape the market as the sport heads toward the 2027 season, where several high‑profile contracts could be renegotiated or terminated depending on on‑track results and off‑track negotiations.