The landscape of Formula 1 contracts in 2026 reveals a patchwork of multi‑year deals, extensions, and options that will shape the grid heading into the 2027 season. While some drivers have secured long‑term stability, others remain in a state of uncertainty, leaving fans and teams alike speculating about possible moves. Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, solidified his future with McLaren early in the 2024 season by signing a "multi‑year" extension to a contract that was originally set to run out in 2025. This amendment pushes his commitment at the Silverstone‑based outfit to at least the close of 2027, effectively tying the British star to the team for a minimum of three more seasons.
His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed a similar path by agreeing to a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 campaign. Piastri’s new terms keep him under the McLaren banner until the end of 2028, giving the Australian a four‑year window to develop alongside Norris. Given the length of these agreements, and assuming no dramatic intra‑team conflict or a steep decline in performance, both Norris and Piastri appear unlikely to switch teams before the 2027 window opens.
Their contracts provide a degree of continuity for McLaren, allowing the team to focus on car development rather than driver negotiations. Mercedes has been more guarded in its public statements. Officially, the German powerhouse announced George Russell only for the 2026 season after months of speculation.
However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually signed a multi‑year deal, meaning he will remain with Mercedes until at least the end of 2027. This aligns with the team’s long‑term strategy of retaining a driver who has already demonstrated the ability to extract performance from the car and who fits the brand’s image. At the same time, Mercedes confirmed that young Italian Kimi Antonelli will stay for the 2026 season.
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 season presented challenges, the organisation is expected to embed options for a longer‑term contract that could see him progress toward a full‑time F1 seat when the opportunity arises.
Red Bull’s lead driver Max Verstappen signed a long‑term contract in March 2022 that runs until the end of 2028. The agreement reportedly contains performance‑related clauses that could allow either party to terminate early if certain targets are not met.
These clauses were highlighted in 2024 during a turbulent period for the team, when allegations against team principal Christian Horner briefly cast a shadow over the operation. Verstappen has repeatedly emphasised his desire to compete for victories; if Red Bull fails to deliver a car capable of winning consistently, or if the new 2026 regulations do not suit his driving style, questions about his future could resurface.
Joining Verstappen at Red Bull is Isack Hadjar, who earned his seat after an impressive rookie year with Racing Bulls. Hadjar’s contract length is closely linked to his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis. Should he prove he can match or exceed the champion’s pace, he could secure a longer stay; otherwise, his future may hinge on a move back to the junior team or a different outfit. Charles Leclerc’s most recent deal with Ferrari was signed in June 2026.
The team chose not to disclose the exact duration, simply stating that the agreement secures Leclerc’s presence at Maranello "for the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the contract likely runs through at least the end of 2028, with possible extension options that could keep the Monegasque driver in the Scuderia beyond that point. Lewis Hamilton made headlines in February 2024 when he announced a move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, a transfer that shocked the sport. Ferrari described the arrangement as a multi‑year deal, and Hamilton clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he holds a contract covering at least 2027, his third year with the team.
Sky Sports F1 further reports that Hamilton possesses a unilateral option to extend his stay through 2028, giving him considerable leverage should the partnership prove successful. At Williams, Alex Albon secured a new multi‑year extension in March 2024, confirming his place at the team until the end of the 2026 season.
Albon, who joined the team in 2022, could negotiate another extension for 2027 and beyond if his performances continue to improve. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, signed a two‑year contract starting in 2025, with clauses that allow extensions beyond 2026.
Given Sainz’s high market value, Williams will likely fight to retain him unless the car’s competitiveness deteriorates markedly. Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson aims to cement his role as the lead driver, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. If Lawson impresses Red Bull’s senior team, a promotion back to the main squad could be on the cards. Failing that, he will need to explore opportunities with other teams to secure a 2027 seat, a task that will demand strong results throughout the 2026 campaign.
British teenager Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, earned his place after impressive practice sessions with Red Bull, notably a sixth‑place finish in Mexico City’s first practice. To retain his seat for a second year, Lindblad must avoid costly errors and match or surpass Lawson’s pace, thereby demonstrating that he deserves continued investment from the team.
Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, guaranteeing his services 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 the question of whether Alonso will retire after his current deal expires or seek a final challenge elsewhere. Lance Stroll remains an outlier, with his contract details largely undisclosed.
As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, his seat appears tied to his father’s ownership tenure. In June 2024, Aston Martin announced that the Canadian driver holds a contract for "2025 and beyond," but the exact length remains vague.
Oliver Bearman’s debut full season in 2025 with Haas showcased a blend of spectacular speed and occasional high‑profile mistakes. At 20, his potential to become a sought‑after driver is evident, and strong performances could attract interest from top teams, possibly even a future role at Ferrari.
Esteban Ocon’s standing has dipped after a lackluster finish to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being outperformed by Bearman in 2025. Ocon will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of his teammate Pierre Gasly, especially as neither driver has a confirmed contract for 2027. Nico Hülkenberg joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025 on a multi‑year contract, but the terms do not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. Despite being 38 and a father, Hülkenberg shows no signs of retiring and may continue to fight for a race seat if the team’s performance improves.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a former F3 and F2 champion, entered F1 with high expectations that were not fully met in his rookie year. Nevertheless, his progress throughout 2025 has placed him among the most promising young talents, and Audi is likely to retain the 21‑year‑old to nurture his development. Pierre Gasly signed a new contract in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. As the team’s lead driver, Gasly could produce surprise results if Alpine delivers a more competitive car in the coming seasons.
Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan midway through the 2025 season and managed to secure a seat for 2026. Backed by Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore, the Argentine will need to elevate his performance to earn a place for 2027. Sergio Perez returned to the sport in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year away.
While initially confirmed only for 2026, Sky Sports News reports that Perez signed a multi‑year deal, ensuring his presence for at least two seasons. Valtteri Bottas, who also spent 2025 out of the cockpit, is understood to have a similar multi‑year contract with Cadillac, extending his tenure to the end of 2027.
In summary, the 2026 contract landscape paints a picture of relative stability for many top drivers, with multi‑year deals anchoring them to their current teams through at least 2027. However, performance clauses, optional extensions, and the ever‑present lure of better machinery mean that the driver market will remain fluid, and the next few seasons could still witness significant reshuffling as teams and riders chase the optimal combination of talent and competitiveness.