The landscape of Formula 1 contracts in 2026 reveals a mix of long‑term security and strategic flexibility as teams and drivers position themselves for the 2027 season and beyond. Lando Norris, who secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 campaign began, will remain with McLaren at least until the close of 2027.

His original deal was set to lapse in 2025, but the new agreement pushes his commitment out by another two seasons, giving the reigning champion a stable platform to continue his development alongside the team. Oscar Piastri followed a similar path, signing a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season that locks him into McLaren through the end of 2028. Both drivers now have contracts that extend well beyond the typical one‑year renewals that often dominate the sport, suggesting McLaren’s confidence in their young talent and a desire to avoid a disruptive driver market. Unless there is a major intra‑team clash or a dramatic dip in performance, it is unlikely either Norris or Piastri will be looking to switch teams in the near future.

Mercedes’ situation is slightly more opaque. Official statements confirmed George Russell for the 2026 season only, but reliable sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell has actually signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him at the Silver Arrows until at least the end of 2027. This aligns with the team’s long‑term plan to retain a driver who has already demonstrated the pace and consistency required to challenge for championships. In parallel, Mercedes confirmed that their promising youngster Kimi Antonelli will stay for the 2026 season.

Antonelli, who joined the Mercedes academy at the age of 12, has been earmarked as a future star. Although his rookie year presented typical learning curves, the team’s continued investment suggests his contract contains options that could extend well beyond a single season, potentially paving the way for a full‑time seat in the near future.

Red Bull’s headline driver, Max Verstappen, signed a long‑term deal in March 2022 that runs through the end of 2028. However, the contract includes performance‑related clauses that could allow an early exit if the team fails to meet his competitive expectations.

The clauses gained attention in 2024 during a turbulent period involving unfounded allegations against team principal Christian Horner, which were later dismissed. Verstappen has repeatedly emphasized his desire to race for victories; should Red Bull’s 2026‑2027 cars not satisfy his standards, speculation about his future will intensify. Joining Verstappen at Red Bull is Isack Hadjar, the seventh driver in eight years to be paired with the Dutch champion.

Hadjar impressed during his rookie season with Racing Bulls and earned a promotion to the main team. His contract length will largely hinge on his ability to match Verstappen’s performance, regardless of the RB22’s overall strength. At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc signed his latest agreement in June 2026. The team deliberately kept the exact term confidential, merely stating that it secures Leclerc’s future at Maranello for "the coming seasons".

Analysts infer that this phrasing likely covers at least through 2028, with possible extensions built in. Lewis Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, was described as a multi‑year deal.

Hamilton clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that his contract also covers the 2027 season, effectively making 2028 a unilateral option for him, according to Sky Sports F1. This structure gives both driver and team flexibility while ensuring Hamilton remains a key figure at Ferrari for at least three seasons.

Williams secured Alex Albon with a multi‑year extension in March 2024, confirming his stay until the end of the current year. Albon, who joined the team in 2022, could earn another extension if his 2025 partnership with Carlos Sainz yields strong results. Sainz himself is on a two‑year contract starting in 2025, with options to extend beyond 2026.

Given Sainz’s market value, Williams will be eager to retain him, though a lack of competitiveness could prompt a move. Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson aims to become the team’s lead driver, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad.

A standout performance could attract Red Bull’s attention and open a pathway back to the senior squad. If that does not materialise, Lawson will need to explore other 2027 seats, relying on solid results to attract interest. Lindblad, the only true rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed during practice sessions in Mexico City and will look to avoid costly errors while matching or surpassing Lawson to secure his place for a second season. Fernando Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract in April 2024, guaranteeing his stay until the end of the 2026 season.

At 45, he would become the oldest driver to compete in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975. Aston Martin’s uncertain performance trajectory raises questions about whether Alonso will retire after 2026 or seek another opportunity. Lance Stroll remains the most enigmatic figure regarding contract length. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, his seat appears linked to his father’s ownership tenure.

Nevertheless, Aston Martin announced in June 2024 that Lance has a deal covering "2025 and beyond", suggesting a degree of stability despite his comparatively modest results against his teammate Alonso. Oliver Bearman’s debut full season in 2025 for Haas was a blend of flashes of brilliance and notable mistakes.

At 20, he has already attracted speculation about a potential future at Ferrari, possibly even as a replacement for Hamilton. While Haas is unlikely to challenge for podiums soon, Bearman’s talent could make him a sought‑after commodity in the driver market if he can deliver consistent pace.

Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped since a disappointing 2024 finale with Alpine and being outperformed by Bearman in 2025. Ocon will aim to reassert himself in the intra‑team battle, a crucial factor as neither he nor Bearman have confirmed 2027 seats.

Nico Hülkenberg joined Sauber (now Audi) on a multi‑year deal in 2025, but the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still enjoys racing and shows no signs of retirement, leaving open the possibility of an extension if Audi values his experience.

Gabriel Bortoleto, after winning both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has struggled to meet sky‑high expectations in F1. Nonetheless, his improvement throughout 2025 and his status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents make it logical for Audi to retain the 21‑year‑old for the foreseeable future.

Pierre Gasly secured a new contract with Alpine last September that runs until at least the end of 2028. Since joining the team in 2023, he has become the clear lead driver, and a more competitive Alpine package could produce surprise results when the traditional front‑runners falter. Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season, has steadied his performance enough to earn a seat for 2026.

Backed by Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore, Colapinto must continue to improve to retain his place for 2027. Sergio Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac team after a year away, signing a contract that guarantees at least two seasons. While the official announcement covered only 2026, insiders at Sky Sports News confirm a multi‑year deal. Valtteri Bottas also appears to have a multi‑year agreement with Cadillac, extending his stay until at least the end of 2027.

After a year out of competition in 2025, both veteran drivers are eager to add further highlights to their careers with the American outfit.