As the 2026 Formula 1 season unfolds, the length of each driver’s agreement has become a hot topic, especially with a wave of potential reshuffles on the horizon for 2027. Below is a comprehensive look at the current status of every contract, the clauses that could affect future moves, and the broader context that surrounds each deal.
Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension with McLaren just before the 2024 campaign began. His original contract was set to run out in 2025, but the new deal pushes his stay at the Silverstone‑based outfit to at least the close of 2027. Given his recent world‑champion title and the stability of the McLaren project, a sudden departure appears unlikely unless an extraordinary intra‑team dispute emerges. Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, also inked a multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season.
The agreement guarantees his place at McLaren through the end of 2028. With both young Britons now locked in for several seasons, the team can focus on developing the car rather than worrying about driver turnover. Mercedes officially announced George Russell only for the 2026 year after months of speculation. However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually signed a longer‑term contract, binding him to the German manufacturer until at least the end of 2027.
This aligns with Mercedes’ strategy of retaining a driver who has already proven his pace and consistency. Kimi Antonelli, the teenage prospect who joined Mercedes’ junior programme at age twelve, will also remain with the team for 2026.
While his exact contract length has not been disclosed, the team’s public statements describe him as a "future star" and hint at a longer‑term arrangement with options that could see him graduate to a race seat when the timing is right. Max Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull, signed in March 2022, runs until the end of 2028. The contract contains performance‑related clauses that could allow either party to part ways if the competitive landscape changes. In 2024, the clause gained attention during the fallout from the now‑dismissed allegations against team principal Christian Horner.
Verstappen has repeatedly said his priority is winning, so if Red Bull cannot deliver a car capable of contending for victories under the new 2026 regulations, his future could become uncertain. Isack Hadjar is poised to become the seventh driver in eight years to partner Verstappen at Red Bull. After a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, his contract will likely be tied to his ability to match Verstappen’s performance, irrespective of the RB22’s overall strength.
Charles Leclerc renewed his Ferrari contract in June 2026. The team chose not to disclose the exact term, merely stating that it secures his future "for the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the agreement extends at least through 2028, with possible extension options beyond that date.
Lewis Hamilton shocked the paddock in February 2024 by announcing a move to Ferrari for 2025. The initial announcement described the arrangement as multi‑year, and Hamilton clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he is also contracted for 2027, giving him a third year at Maranello. Sky Sports F1 reports that he holds a unilateral option to stay for 2028 if both parties agree. Alex Albon signed a new multi‑year extension with Williams in May 2024, confirming his place through the end of the current season.
Having joined the team in 2022 and served as Carlos Sainz’s teammate in 2025, a strong 2026 could see Albon negotiate an additional deal covering 2027 and beyond. Carlos Sainz’s contract with Williams is a two‑year deal beginning in 2025, featuring "options to extend" past 2026. Given his reputation and the team’s desire to retain a high‑profile driver, it is probable that Williams will activate those options unless the car’s performance stalls dramatically.
Liam Lawson aims to become the lead driver at Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. If he impresses Red Bull’s senior management, a promotion back to the main team cannot be ruled out. Failing that, Lawson will likely explore opportunities with other teams to secure a 2027 seat, but he must first deliver compelling results.
Arvid Lindblad, the 18‑year‑old Swedish talent, is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid. After strong practice showings, including a sixth‑place in Mexico City, his goal is to avoid costly errors and match or exceed Lawson’s pace. Consistency will earn him a second year with Racing Bulls and keep him on the radar of larger teams.
Fernando Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract in April 2024, guaranteeing his place until the end of 2026. 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 his contract expires or seek a final year elsewhere. Lance Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. The team announced in June 2024 that he has a deal for "2025 and beyond," effectively tying his future to his father’s ownership tenure. Oliver Bearman completed his first full season in 2025 with Haas, delivering a mix of spectacular speed and notable mistakes.
At 20, he could become a hot commodity if he refines his racecraft, potentially attracting interest from top teams looking for a long‑term prospect. Esteban Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being out‑performed by Bearman in 2025. He will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 contract negotiations, as neither driver has yet secured a seat for the next season.
Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year contract when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025. While the exact end date is unclear, the agreement suggests he may be without a seat after the current season unless Audi opts to retain him. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still shows enthusiasm for racing and has not hinted at retirement.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the 21‑year‑old who won both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has struggled to meet sky‑high expectations. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him one of Audi’s most promising assets, and the team will likely keep him to continue his development.
Pierre Gasly extended his Alpine contract last September, securing his place 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 replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and has steadied his performance enough to earn a seat for 2026. Backed by Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore, he must continue to improve to retain his place for 2027.
Sergio Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the brand‑new Cadillac team after a year away. While initially confirmed only for 2026, Sky Sports News reports he signed a multi‑year contract, ensuring at least a two‑year stint.
Valtteri Bottas also appears to have a multi‑year agreement with Cadillac, keeping him at the team through the end of 2027. After a quiet 2025 season, both veterans hope to add further highlights to their careers with the American outfit. Overall, the 2026 grid features a blend of long‑term commitments and contracts with built‑in flexibility.
Performance clauses, team options, and personal ambitions will shape the driver market as the sport moves toward the 2027 season, making the next year a pivotal period for both teams and drivers alike.