F1 Contracts: Duration of Each Driver's Agreement

In the 2026 Formula 1 season, the length of each driver’s contract has become a hot topic as teams and fans alike speculate about potential roster changes for the 2027 campaign. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current agreements, the dates they are set to expire, and the strategic implications for the sport’s biggest names. **Lando Norris – McLaren** Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the 2024 season began, lengthening a deal that originally would have run out in 2025.

The new contract guarantees that the reigning world champion will remain with McLaren at least through the close of 2027, giving the team a stable foundation around which to develop their car for the next three seasons. **Oscar Piastri – McLaren** Following a strong rookie year, Piastri negotiated his own multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season. The agreement locks the Australian driver into the McLaren stable until the end of 2028, meaning the team will enjoy continuity with both of its young talents for a minimum of four years. **George Russell – Mercedes** Mercedes officially announced that Russell would race for them in 2026, but internal sources at Sky Sports News indicate that the British driver actually signed a longer‑term deal.

According to those reports, Russell’s contract runs through at least the end of the 2027 season, providing the German outfit with a clear line‑up for two full campaigns. **Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes** The Italian prodigy was confirmed for the 2026 season in an October statement that also addressed Russell’s future.

Like Russell, Antonelli is understood to have a long‑term contract that will keep him at Mercedes for a third consecutive year in 2027, further cementing Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing young talent. **Max Verstappen – Red Bull** In August 2026, Verstappen ended months of speculation by signing a fresh contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2030. He cited the potential return of V8 engines, his confidence in the Red Bull project, and the lure of competing in other motorsport categories as key factors in his decision to stay. **Isack Hadjar – Red Bull** After an impressive rookie season with Racing Bulls, Hadjar is poised to become Verstappen’s teammate.

While his exact contract length has not been disclosed, his future will largely depend on how closely he can match Verstappen’s performance, especially given the strength of the RB22 chassis. **Charles Leclerc – Ferrari** Leclerc signed his latest deal with Ferrari in June 2026. The team chose not to disclose the precise term, merely stating that it secures his future at Maranello "for the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the agreement extends at least to the end of 2028, with possible extension clauses that could keep him longer. **Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari** Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari for the 2025 season was announced in February 2024 as a multi‑year arrangement.

At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, he confirmed that his contract also covers 2027, effectively giving him a third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 reports that Hamilton holds a unilateral option to stay for 2028 if both parties agree.

**Alex Albon – Williams** Williams announced a one‑year extension for Albon during the 2026 summer break, keeping him at the team until the end of 2027. The short‑term nature of the deal may reflect concerns about the team’s progress and a limited market for Albon elsewhere. **Carlos Sainz – Williams** Just a day after Albon’s extension, Williams revealed that Sainz had signed a multi‑year contract that appears to bind him to the team through at least 2028.

The surprise came after Sainz publicly questioned his future with Williams following a difficult start to the 2026 season. **Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls** Lawson is expected to fight for the lead seat at Racing Bulls alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. Strong performances could earn him a promotion back to Red Bull, while a lack of results may force him to explore opportunities with other teams for the 2027 grid.

**Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls** The 18‑year‑old Swedish driver is the sole true rookie on the 2026 grid after impressing Red Bull during three practice sessions last year, notably finishing sixth in first practice in Mexico City. Consistency and avoiding major errors will be crucial for him to secure a second season with Racing Bulls. **Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin** Alonso extended his contract in April 2024, guaranteeing his place at Aston Martin until at least the end of the 2026 season. At 45, he would become the oldest driver on the grid since Graham Hill in 1975, raising questions about a possible retirement after the 2026 campaign.

**Lance Stroll – Aston Martin** Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. The team confirmed in June 2024 that he has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," suggesting he will stay as long as his father remains in charge.

**Oliver Bearman – Haas** Bearman’s first full season in 2025 was a blend of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes. If he can harness his raw pace, speculation suggests he could become a future candidate to replace Hamilton at Ferrari. At 20, he is already a name to watch in 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 aim to re‑assert himself in the intra‑team battle, a crucial factor as neither driver has a confirmed seat for 2027.

**Nico Hülkenberg – Audi (Sauber)** Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now rebranded as Audi) in 2025. While the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season, the 38‑year‑old veteran shows no signs of retiring and remains eager to compete.

**Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi** After winning the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, Bortoleto’s progression has been steady but not meteoric. At 21, he is still regarded as one of the most promising young talents, and Audi is expected to retain him for the foreseeable future. **Pierre Gasly – Alpine** Gasly secured a new contract in September 2025 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. Having joined the team in 2023, he has established himself as the lead driver, and a more competitive car this year could yield surprising results.

**Franco Colapinto – Alpine** Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and recovered from a rocky start to earn a full‑season seat. His performances impressed Alpine enough to grant him a second full campaign in 2027.

**Sergio Pérez – Cadillac** Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year away from the sport. Although initially confirmed only for 2026, insiders say he signed a multi‑year deal that will keep him with the American team for at least two seasons.

**Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac** Bottas, like Pérez, spent 2025 out of a race seat but is understood to have agreed to a multi‑year contract that runs through the end of 2027, giving him another opportunity to add highlights to his career. Overall, the 2026 season showcases a mixture of long‑term security for established stars and short‑term, performance‑based deals for emerging talent. As the calendar progresses toward the 2027 season, these contracts will shape team strategies, driver market dynamics, and the competitive landscape of Formula One.