An overview of the current contract lengths for each Formula 1 driver as they stand in the 2026 season, with a look ahead to possible movements before the 2027 campaign. Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 season began, adding to a deal that was originally set to run out in 2025. The extension guarantees that the reigning world champion will remain with McLaren at least until the close of the 2027 season, and possibly beyond if team and driver continue to align. Oscar Piastri also agreed to a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season, committing the Australian to McLaren through the end of 2028.
Barring an internal dispute or a dramatic dip in form, both Norris and Piastri appear firmly planted at the Silverstone‑based outfit for the near future. Mercedes officially announced George Russell only for the 2026 season after months of speculation during the previous summer. However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him at the German team until at least the conclusion of 2027. This longer‑term security mirrors the team’s desire to maintain continuity after a successful partnership with the Briton.
In parallel, Mercedes confirmed that young Italian Kimi Antonelli will stay on for the 2026 campaign. Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes driver development programme since he was twelve, and the team regards him as a future star. Although his rookie year presented challenges, the organization is expected to embed his contract with options that extend well beyond a single season, ensuring a pathway to a full‑time F1 seat when the timing is right. Max Verstappen’s long‑term deal, signed in March 2022, binds him to Red Bull through the end of 2028.
The contract reportedly contains performance‑related clauses that could trigger an exit if the Dutchman feels the team cannot deliver a competitive car or if the new 2026 regulations do not suit his driving 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 perceived decline in Red Bull’s performance could reignite speculation about his future. Isack Hadjar, after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, is positioned as the seventh driver in eight years to be considered as Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull.
His tenure will largely depend on how closely his performance matches Verstappen’s, as well as 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 length, a statement confirmed that the deal secures Leclerc’s place at Maranello for "the coming seasons," which is interpreted as covering at least through 2028, with possible extension options built into the agreement. Lewis Hamilton’s surprise move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, was billed as a multi‑year arrangement. Hamilton later clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that his contract also covers the 2027 season, giving him a third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 reports that Hamilton holds a unilateral option to remain for 2028 should both parties wish to continue the partnership.
Alex Albon signed a new multi‑year extension with Williams in May 2024, confirming his stay until the end of the 2026 season. Having joined the team in 2022 and served alongside Carlos Sainz in 2025, a strong showing could see Albon negotiate another extension for 2027 and beyond. Carlos Sainz’s contract with Williams began in 2025 on a two‑year deal that includes "options to extend" beyond 2026.
Given Sainz’s high market value, the British team will be eager to retain him, although an uncompetitive car could prompt the Spaniard 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, a promotion back to the main team could be on the cards.
Failing that, he may seek a seat with another outfit for the 2027 grid, but he must first deliver compelling results. 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 first practice in Mexico City. At 18, his goal is to avoid costly errors and match or exceed Lawson’s pace, which would likely secure him a second season with Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, guaranteeing his place at the team until the end of the 2026 season.
The 45‑year‑old Dutchman would become the first driver since Graham Hill in 1975 to compete at that age if he continues. Aston Martin’s recent performance struggles raise questions about whether Alonso might retire after 2026 or seek a new challenge. 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 runs "2025 and beyond," effectively tying his future to his father’s ownership tenure. While he has been outperformed by Alonso over three seasons, the team has not indicated any immediate plans to replace him.
Oliver Bearman’s first full season in 2025 with Haas was a mix of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes. At 20, his performances have sparked speculation about a potential move to Ferrari to replace Hamilton in the future. Although Haas is not expected to challenge for podiums soon, Bearman could become a valuable asset on the driver market if he refines his consistency.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped slightly after a disappointing end to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being outshone by Bearman in 2025. Ocon will aim to outperform his teammate in the intra‑team battle, a factor that could influence his contract status for 2027, as neither driver has yet secured a new deal. Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year contract when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025, but the agreement does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still enjoys racing and shows no signs of retiring, leaving open the possibility of an extension if Audi values his experience.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the 21‑year‑old who captured both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has not yet reached the lofty expectations set for him. Nevertheless, his progress throughout 2025 positions him as one of the most promising young talents on the grid, and Audi is likely to keep him under contract to nurture his development. Pierre Gasly signed a new contract in September of the previous year that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. Since joining the team in 2023, Gasly has become the clear number one driver, and a more competitive Alpine package could produce surprise results when front‑running teams encounter difficulties.
Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan after six rounds of the 2025 season and managed to stabilize his performance, earning a seat for the 2026 campaign. The Argentine driver will need to demonstrate further improvement to retain his place for 2027, but he currently enjoys backing from Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore. Sergio Perez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the brand‑new Cadillac entry after a year away from the sport.
While his initial confirmation covered only the 2026 season, Sky Sports News reports that he signed a multi‑year deal, ensuring his presence for at least two seasons. Valtteri Bottas is also believed to have agreed to a multi‑year contract with Cadillac, keeping him at the team through the end of 2027.
After a year out of competition in 2025, both veteran drivers hope to add further highlights to their careers with the American outfit. Overall, the 2026 grid features a mixture of long‑term commitments and contracts with built‑in options that could extend into the early 2030s.
Teams are balancing the desire for stability with the need to remain flexible in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, while drivers are seeking security that allows them to focus on performance without the constant pressure of looming negotiations.