As the 2026 Formula One season unfolds, the landscape of driver contracts is shaping up in ways that could dictate a number of high‑profile moves ahead of 2027. Below is a comprehensive overview of the length and key clauses of each driver’s current deal, along with an expanded look at the context surrounding those agreements and what they might mean for the sport’s future.
**Lando Norris (McLaren)** Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 season began, lengthening a contract that was originally set to finish in 2025. The new terms keep the reigning world champion at McLaren until at least the close of 2027, and likely include performance‑related options that could push the date further if both parties agree. Given his rapid development and the team’s competitive trajectory, a move away from McLaren in the near term appears unlikely. **Oscar Piastri (McLaren)** Piastri followed his teammate’s example by signing a fresh multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 campaign.
His agreement locks him in until the end of 2028, providing McLaren with a stable driver lineup for three seasons beyond the current year. The contract also contains typical performance bonuses that could trigger extensions should the driver and team meet predefined milestones.
**George Russell (Mercedes)** Mercedes initially announced Russell only for the 2026 season, but insider reports from Sky Sports suggest the British driver actually signed a multi‑year deal that runs through at least 2027. This longer commitment reflects Mercedes’ desire to maintain continuity after the departure of several senior figures and to give Russell the security needed to develop the new 2026‑era car. **Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)** The Italian prodigy, who has been part of the Mercedes junior programme since he was 12, will stay on for the 2026 season. While the public statement only confirmed his presence for that year, the team’s long‑term view of Antonelli as a future star implies that his contract contains options for additional seasons, potentially tied to his progress in the senior seat.
**Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)** Verstappen’s long‑term contract, signed in March 2022, runs until the end of 2028. However, it includes performance‑related clauses that could allow an early exit if the team fails to deliver a car capable of winning races. The clause gained attention in 2024 during a turbulent period for Red Bull’s management, but both parties have since reaffirmed their commitment, contingent on the competitiveness of the 2026 regulations. **Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing)** After a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, Hadjar earned a seat beside Verstappen.
His future will be heavily dependent on how closely his performance matches the champion’s, as well as the overall strength of the RB22 chassis. While a formal contract length has not been disclosed, it is expected to be a multi‑year arrangement with performance triggers. **Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)** Leclerc signed his latest deal in June 2026.
Ferrari chose not to disclose the exact duration, merely stating that it secures his services for "the coming seasons." Analysts interpret this as a commitment at least through 2028, with possible extension options built into the agreement, ensuring stability at the Maranello factory. **Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)** Hamilton’s surprise move to Ferrari for the 2025 season was announced as a multi‑year deal. At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix he clarified that his contract covers at least 2027, making it his third year with the Scuderia, and he also holds a unilateral option for 2028. This structure gives Hamilton flexibility while allowing Ferrari to plan long‑term around his experience.
**Alex Albon (Williams)** Albon extended his Williams contract in May 2024, confirming his stay until the end of the 2026 season. Having joined the team in 2022, he could negotiate a further extension for 2027 and beyond if his performance continues to improve and the car becomes more competitive. **Carlos Sainz (Williams)** Sainz signed a two‑year deal beginning in 2025, with options to extend beyond 2026. Given his reputation and the team’s desire to retain a high‑profile driver, it is likely that Williams will activate any extension clauses if the car’s performance meets expectations.
**Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)** Lawson aims to become the lead driver at Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. Strong results could open the door to a promotion back to Red Bull’s main team, or at the very least secure a seat on the 2027 grid with another outfit.
His contract is currently set through the end of 2026, with performance‑based extensions under discussion. **Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)** The 18‑year‑old Swedish driver is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, having impressed during practice sessions with a sixth‑place finish in Mexico City.
If he avoids major errors and matches or exceeds Lawson’s pace, he is expected to retain his seat for a second season. **Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)** Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract in April 2024, guaranteeing his place until the end of the 2026 season.
At 45, he would become the oldest driver to compete in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975. The team’s recent performance struggles raise questions about whether Alonso will continue beyond 2026 or consider retirement. **Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)** Stroll’s contract details are opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The team confirmed in June 2024 that he has a deal for "2025 and beyond," suggesting a flexible arrangement that could last as long as the family remains at the helm. **Oliver Bearman (Haas)** Bearman’s first full season in 2025 was a mixture of spectacular speed and costly mistakes. If he can demonstrate consistency, speculation about a future move to Ferrari—potentially as a replacement for Hamilton—could become realistic. Haas is not expected to fight for podiums soon, so Bearman may become a sought‑after talent on the driver market.
**Esteban Ocon (Alpine)** Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being out‑performed by Bearman at Haas in 2025. He will look to re‑assert himself in the intra‑team battle, a factor that could influence whether Alpine offers him a new deal for 2027.
**Nico Hülkenberg (Audi Sauber)** Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year contract when he joined the rebranded Audi‑Sauber team in 2025. At 38 and a father, he remains enthusiastic about racing, but his agreement does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season unless the team opts to extend. **Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi Sauber)** The 21‑year‑old Brazilian, a former F3 and F2 champion, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set for him.
Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him one of the most promising young drivers, and Audi will likely retain him under a multi‑year deal to continue his development. **Pierre Gasly (Alpine)** Gasly’s contract, renewed in September of the previous year, keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. As the team’s lead driver, his continued presence provides stability, and a more competitive chassis could yield surprise results against the top teams.
**Franco Colapinto (Alpine)** Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and managed to secure a seat for 2026. To stay beyond that, he must elevate his performance further, but he enjoys backing from Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore, which could translate into a longer‑term contract.
**Sergio Pérez (Cadillac)** Pérez returned to F1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year away. While initially confirmed only for 2026, reports indicate he signed a multi‑year deal, ensuring his presence for at least two seasons as the American team builds its program. **Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)** Bottas, who also sat out 2025, is understood to have agreed to a multi‑year contract that runs through the end of 2027. His experience will be valuable as Cadillac seeks to become competitive in the new era.
Overall, the 2026 season presents a mixture of long‑term security for several top drivers and a few uncertain situations where performance, team competitiveness, or personal decisions could trigger changes. Multi‑year contracts with performance clauses, extension options, and unilateral renewal rights dominate the current landscape, reflecting teams’ desire for stability while preserving flexibility as the sport transitions to the new technical regulations in 2026.