The landscape of Formula One driver contracts in 2026 reveals a mixture of long‑term commitments and strategic extensions as teams position themselves for the 2027 season and beyond. Below is a detailed overview of the principal drivers, the length of their deals, and the factors that could influence any future movement.
Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension with McLaren just before the 2024 season began. The original contract was set to expire at the end of 2025, but the new agreement pushes his stay at the Silverstone‑based outfit to at least the close of 2027. As the reigning world champion, Norris is now firmly linked to McLaren for the next three seasons, and unless there is a dramatic intra‑team clash or a significant dip in form, a change of team next year appears unlikely.
Oscar Piastri also signed a fresh multi‑year extension with McLaren ahead of the 2025 campaign. His new deal runs through the end of 2028, giving the Australian a four‑year runway with the team.
Similar to Norris, Piastri’s future seems secure, with the only realistic scenario for a departure involving either a major reshuffle at McLaren or an attractive offer from a rival constructor. Mercedes officially announced that George Russell would race for them in 2026, a statement that followed months of speculation. However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually signed a multi‑year contract, meaning he will remain in the silver livery until at least the end of 2027.
This longer commitment aligns with Mercedes’ desire for stability after a period of driver turnover. Kimi Antonelli, the teenage Italian who has been part of the Mercedes driver programme since he was 12, was confirmed to stay with the team for the 2026 season. Given his early career stage and the fact that Mercedes view him as a future star, it is reasonable to assume his contract contains options that extend well beyond a single year, although the exact terms have not been disclosed.
Max Verstappen’s long‑term contract, signed in March 2022, keeps him at Red Bull until the end of 2028. The agreement includes performance‑related clauses that could allow him to exit early if the team fails to provide a competitive car or if he is dissatisfied with the new 2026 regulations. 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; consequently, any prolonged lack of performance could trigger renegotiations.
Isack Hadjar, after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, is slated to become Verstappen’s teammate for the 2026 campaign. His future at Red Bull will largely hinge on how closely his performance aligns with Verstappen’s, as well as the overall competitiveness of the RB22 chassis.
Charles Leclerc signed his most recent Ferrari contract in June 2026. The team chose not to disclose the exact length, merely stating it secures his future at Maranello for "the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the deal likely runs through at least the end of 2028, with possible extension options built in. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, was presented as a multi‑year arrangement.
At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton clarified that he has a contract covering at least 2027, his third year with the Scuderia, and that he also holds a unilateral option to stay for 2028. This structure gives both driver and team flexibility as they assess performance under the new technical regulations. Alex Albon extended his Williams contract in March 2024, confirming his place at the team until the end of the 2026 season. Having joined Williams in 2022 and partnered with Carlos Sainz in 2025, a strong 2026 could see Albon negotiate another extension for 2027 and beyond.
Carlos Sainz signed a two‑year deal with Williams beginning in 2025, which includes options to extend beyond 2026. Given Sainz’s high market value, Williams will likely aim to retain him, though an uncompetitive car could prompt the Spaniard to explore other opportunities.
Liam Lawson is positioned as the lead driver for Racing Bulls in 2026, with rookie Arvid Lindblad as his teammate. If Lawson impresses Red Bull sufficiently, a promotion back to the main team cannot be ruled out. Failing that, he will need to secure a seat with another constructor for the 2027 grid. Arvid Lindblad, the 18‑year‑old Swedish rookie, earned his place on the 2026 grid after strong practice performances for Red Bull, including a sixth‑place finish in Mexico City.
Consistency and avoidance of major errors will be crucial for him to retain a seat for a second season with Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract in April 2024, keeping him at the team until at least the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the oldest driver on the grid since Graham Hill in 1975, raising questions about his long‑term plans and whether he might retire after 2026. Lance Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The Canadian driver has a deal that covers 2025 and beyond, but the exact duration has not been disclosed. His performance relative to Alonso will likely influence any future negotiations. Oliver Bearman completed his first full F1 season with Haas in 2025, delivering a mix of spectacular speed and occasional mistakes. At 20, he could become a hot commodity in the driver market if he continues to develop, potentially attracting interest from top teams.
Esteban Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being out‑performed by Bearman in 2025. Ocon will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, as his contract for that year has yet to be confirmed. Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025. While the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season, his continued enthusiasm for racing suggests he may seek extensions if the team values his experience.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the 21‑year‑old who won both the F3 and F2 championships, has shown steady improvement throughout 2025. Audi is expected to retain him, given his potential and the team's interest in nurturing young talent. Pierre Gasly renewed his contract with Alpine last September, extending his stay until at least the end of 2028. As the team's lead driver, a competitive car could allow him to deliver surprise podiums.
Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season, earned a full‑season seat with Alpine for 2026. Backed by executive advisor Flavio Briatore, he will need to raise his performance level to secure a place for 2027. Sergio Pérez returned to F1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac team after a year away. While initially confirmed for 2026 only, reports suggest he signed a multi‑year deal, guaranteeing at least two seasons with the American outfit.
Valtteri Bottas also appears 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 veterans hope to add further highlights to their careers.
Overall, the 2026 contract landscape shows a trend toward multi‑year agreements, giving teams continuity while allowing drivers to negotiate performance‑based clauses that protect their interests as the sport evolves under the new 2026 technical regulations.