As the 2026 Formula One season unfolds, the landscape of driver contracts is shaping up in ways that could influence several high‑profile moves ahead of 2027. Below is a detailed overview of the length of each driver’s deal as it stands, together with context about possible future scenarios. Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 campaign began, prolonging his stay at McLaren beyond the original expiry in 2025.
The agreement now guarantees that the reigning champion will remain with the team at least until the close of the 2027 season, and possibly longer if optional extensions are exercised. Oscar Piastri also inked a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season.
His new contract ties him to McLaren through the end of 2028, giving the Australian a solid three‑year runway. Barring a dramatic intra‑team clash or a steep decline in form, both Norris and Piastri appear set to stay put for the near future. Mercedes publicly announced that George Russell would race for the team in 2026, after months of speculation during the previous summer. However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually signed a multi‑year pact that will keep him in the silver arches at least until the end of 2027, with potential options for further extensions.
The German outfit also confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will continue with Mercedes in 2026. Antonelli, who joined the organization at the age of 12, is regarded as a long‑term prospect.
Given his early career stage and the team’s commitment to nurturing his talent, it is reasonable to assume his contract includes clauses that extend well beyond a single season, likely with performance‑related options tied to a future Formula One seat. Max Verstappen’s long‑term agreement, signed in March 2022, originally bound him to Red Bull through 2028.
The contract contains performance‑related triggers that could allow either party to part ways under specific circumstances. These clauses came to public attention in 2024 when allegations of inappropriate conduct were levelled against team principal Christian Horner – allegations that were later dismissed. Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized his desire to compete for victories; if Red Bull cannot deliver a competitive package or if the new 2026 regulations do not suit his driving style, questions about his future could re‑emerge.
Isack Hadjar, who impressed during his rookie season with Racing Bulls, is poised to become Verstappen’s teammate for the 2026 campaign. His continuation at Red Bull will largely depend 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 deal with Ferrari in June 2026.
While the team chose not to disclose the exact term, they confirmed that the contract secures his place at Maranello for "the coming seasons," which analysts interpret as covering at least through 2028, with possible extension options thereafter. Lewis Hamilton’s surprise announcement in February 2024 that he would move to Ferrari for 2025 was one of the sport’s biggest transfer stories.
Ferrari described the arrangement as a multi‑year contract. Hamilton later clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he has a guaranteed seat for at least 2027, his third year with the Scuderia, and that he also holds a unilateral option to remain for 2028 if he wishes.
Alex Albon extended his Williams contract in March 2024, ensuring his services until the end of the 2026 season. Having joined the team in 2022 and served as Carlos Sainz’s teammate in 2025, a strong showing could see Albon negotiate a further deal covering 2027 and beyond. Carlos Sainz signed a two‑year contract with Williams starting in 2025, which includes "options to extend" beyond 2026. Given Sainz’s high market value, Williams will be eager to retain him, though a lack of competitiveness could tempt the Spaniard to explore other opportunities.
Liam Lawson aims to cement his role as the lead driver at Racing Bulls, battling rookie Arvid Lindblad for the top seat. If Lawson continues to impress, a promotion back to the Red Bull main team cannot be ruled out. Failing that, he will likely seek a seat elsewhere for the 2027 grid, but strong results will be essential. 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 at Mexico City.
To secure a second year with Racing Bulls, Lindblad must avoid major errors and, ideally, match or exceed Lawson’s pace. Fernando Alonso agreed to extend his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, guaranteeing his presence until at least the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the oldest driver to compete in Formula 1 since Graham Hill in 1975. Aston Martin’s recent performance struggles raise the question of whether Alonso might consider retirement after 2026.
Lance Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. The Canadian has a deal that runs "2025 and beyond," suggesting his seat is tied to his father’s ownership tenure. Despite being out‑performed by Alonso over three seasons, Stroll’s position appears secure for the immediate future. Oliver Bearman completed his first full F1 season in 2025 with Haas, delivering a blend of spectacular speed and occasional high‑profile mistakes.
At 20, his performances have sparked speculation about a possible future at Ferrari, perhaps even as a successor to Hamilton. While Haas is unlikely to challenge for podiums soon, Bearman could become a coveted name on the driver market if he continues to develop. Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped slightly after a disappointing conclusion to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being out‑performed by Bearman in 2025.
Ocon will be motivated to regain his standing within the team, especially as both he and Bearman have yet to secure contracts for 2027. Nico Hülkenberg joined Sauber (now rebranded as Audi) in 2025 on a multi‑year deal, though the exact length is unclear. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still shows enthusiasm for racing and has not indicated any intention to retire, suggesting he may remain in the sport if a seat is available. Gabriel Bortoleto, after winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in his rookie years, entered F1 with high expectations.
While his debut season fell short of the hype, he showed steady improvement throughout 2025 and remains one of the most promising young talents. Audi will likely aim to retain the 21‑year‑old for the longer term. Pierre Gasly signed a new contract in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
Having joined the team in 2023, Gasly has established himself as Alpine’s lead driver, and a more competitive chassis this year could yield surprise results when front‑running teams encounter difficulties. Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan after six rounds of the 2025 season and managed to stabilise his performance, earning a seat for 2026.
Backed by Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore, the Argentine will need to elevate his results further to secure a place for 2027. Sergio Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac team after a year out of the sport. Although initially confirmed only for 2026, Sky Sports News reports that Pérez signed a multi‑year contract, guaranteeing at least two seasons with the American outfit. Valtteri Bottas, similarly, is understood to have agreed to a multi‑year deal with Cadillac that runs through the end of 2027.
After spending 2025 on the sidelines, both veterans will be looking to add further highlights to their careers. In summary, the majority of the grid now operates under contracts that extend at least to the end of 2027, with many drivers enjoying optional extensions that could keep them in the sport well beyond that point. The next few years will likely see a mixture of stability for established stars and opportunities for emerging talent, depending on team performance, driver development, and the ever‑changing dynamics of Formula One’s competitive environment.