In the 2026 Formula 1 landscape, the length of each driver’s contract has become a focal point as teams and riders plot their strategies for the upcoming 2027 season. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current agreements, highlighting extensions, multi‑year deals, and the few ambiguous situations that still linger. Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension with McLaren just before the 2024 season began. His original contract was due to run out in 2025, but the new terms now keep the reigning world champion at the British outfit until at least the close of 2027.
This move cements Norris as a cornerstone of McLaren’s long‑term project. Oscar Piastri followed suit by signing his own multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 campaign.
The Australian’s deal guarantees his place at McLaren through the end of 2028, giving the team a stable two‑year window beyond Norris’s agreement. Mercedes officially announced George Russell only for the 2026 season after months of speculation during the previous summer.
However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually inked a multi‑year contract, meaning he will remain with the Silver Arrows at least until the end of 2027. This longer commitment provides Mercedes with continuity as they develop their 2027 car. At the same time, Mercedes confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will stay for the 2026 season. Further reports suggest that Antonelli, like Russell, has a long‑term contract that extends into a third year with the team, securing his seat for the 2027 campaign as well.
Red Bull’s champion Max Verstappen finally put an end to all rumours about his future by signing a new contract in August 2026. The agreement runs through the 2030 season, guaranteeing the Dutch driver a five‑year stay.
Verstappen cited the prospect of a return to V8 engines, confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the appeal of competing in other motorsport categories as key factors influencing his decision. Isack Hadjar, after a standout rookie year with Racing Bulls, is poised to become Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull.
While his exact contract length has not been disclosed, his future will largely hinge on how closely his performance aligns with Verstappen’s, especially given the strength of the RB22 chassis. Charles Leclerc renewed his deal with Ferrari in June 2026.
The team chose not to reveal the precise duration, merely stating that the contract secures Leclerc’s future at Maranello for "the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the agreement likely runs at least to the end of 2028, with possible extension options built in. Lewis Hamilton made a headline‑grabbing move in February 2024, announcing his switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. The initial announcement described the arrangement as a multi‑year deal.
Hamilton later clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he holds a contract covering at least 2027, his third year with the Scuderia, and that he also possesses a unilateral option to stay on for 2028. Williams revealed a one‑year extension for Alex 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 both Albon’s concerns about the team’s progress and a limited market for alternative seats.
A day later, the team announced that Carlos Sainz had signed a multi‑year extension that appears to bind him to Williams through at least the end of 2028, a surprising development given his earlier public doubts about remaining at the outfit. At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson is aiming to establish himself as the lead driver alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.
If Lawson impresses Red Bull, a return to the main team could be on the cards. Otherwise, he will need to seek a seat elsewhere for the 2027 grid, which will require strong results in 2026. British teenager Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed during his three practice outings last year, notably finishing sixth in first practice at Mexico City.
To secure a second season with Racing Bulls, Lindblad must avoid major mistakes and match or exceed Lawson’s performance. Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, ensuring his presence at the team until the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the oldest driver to compete in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975, prompting speculation about a possible retirement after 2026.
Lance Stroll’s contract details remain largely opaque. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, his seat appears tied to his father’s ownership tenure. Aston Martin announced in June 2024 that the Canadian has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," though exact terms are undisclosed. Oliver Bearman’s first full season in 2025 was a mix of high‑profile errors and flashes of raw speed.
His performance sparked talk of a potential future at Ferrari, possibly even as a replacement for Hamilton. At 20, Bearman could become a sought‑after name in the driver market if he continues to develop.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped slightly after a disappointing finish to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being outpaced by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon will aim to regain his standing in the intra‑team battle, a crucial factor as neither driver’s 2027 status has been confirmed. Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year contract when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025. While the agreement does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season, Hülkenberg, now 38 and a father, shows no intention of retiring and remains eager to compete.
Gabriel Bortoleto, after winning the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has not yet reached the lofty expectations set for him. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 positions him as one of Audi’s most promising young talents, making a contract extension likely. Pierre Gasly confirmed a new deal in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
Having joined the team in 2023, Gasly has become Alpine’s lead driver, and a more competitive car could yield surprise podiums when the front‑runners falter. Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season, recovered from a shaky start and earned a full seat for 2026.
His performances have convinced Alpine to retain him for a second full campaign in 2027. Sergio Pérez returned to F1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year out of the sport.
While initially confirmed only for 2026, reports indicate he signed a multi‑year contract, guaranteeing at least two seasons with the American team. Valtteri Bottas, also returning after a 2025 hiatus, is understood to have agreed to a multi‑year deal with Cadillac that runs through the end of 2027, giving him another opportunity to add highlights to his career. Overall, the 2026 season showcases a blend of long‑term security for top talents like Norris, Verstappen, and Leclerc, alongside shorter extensions and uncertain situations for others.
As teams finalize their line‑ups for 2027, the length and flexibility of these contracts will play a pivotal role in shaping the competitive dynamics of Formula 1 in the years to come.