In the ever‑shifting landscape of Formula 1, the length of each driver’s contract is a topic that fans, teams and sponsors monitor closely. As the 2026 season unfolds and the window for the 2027 driver market begins to open, a snapshot of the current agreements reveals a mix of long‑term extensions, multi‑year deals and short‑term renewals.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the contractual situations of the sport’s principal drivers, along with context on why certain deals were struck and what they could mean for the upcoming seasons. Lando Norris – McLaren Norris secured a fresh extension in August 2026, committing himself to McLaren until at least the close of the 2030 championship. The contract also contains optional clauses that could see the Briton remain beyond that point if both parties agree. Since debuting with McLaren in 2019, Norris has progressed from a promising rookie to the 2025 World Champion, and his long‑term stay reflects both the team’s confidence in his talent and his desire for stability as he continues to chase further titles.
Oscar Piastri – McLaren Australian talent Oscar Piastri signed a multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season, locking him into a seat at McLaren through the end of 2028. The deal was announced as a sign of continuity for the team, allowing the young driver to develop alongside Norris and giving McLaren a clear two‑driver lineup for the next few years.
George Russell – Mercedes Mercedes initially announced that Russell would race for them in 2026 only, following a period of speculation during the previous summer. However, sources close to the team, including Sky Sports News, indicate that Russell actually agreed to a multi‑year contract that will keep him at the Silver Arrows until at least the end of the 2027 season.
This longer commitment provides Mercedes with a stable driver pairing as they aim to retain their dominance in the hybrid era. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes Alongside the news of Russell’s future, Mercedes confirmed that Kimi Antonelli would stay for the 2026 campaign.
Further reports suggest that Antonelli, like Russell, signed a long‑term agreement that will see him on the Mercedes roster for a third consecutive year in 2027, giving the young Italian a clear pathway within the team’s junior driver programme. Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing After months of speculation, Verstappen put the rumors to rest by signing a new contract with Red Bull in August 2026. The agreement runs until the end of 2030, effectively guaranteeing his seat for five more seasons.
In his statement, Verstappen cited the prospect of V8 engines returning, his confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the allure of competing in other motorsport categories as key factors influencing his decision. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull Racing Following a standout rookie year with the sister team Racing Bulls, French driver Isack Hadjar is poised to become Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 season. While his exact contract length has not been disclosed, his future is expected to hinge on his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari Leclerc renewed his deal with Ferrari in June 2026. The team chose not to reveal the precise term, merely stating that the contract secures his future at Maranello for "the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the agreement extends at least through the end of 2028, with possible option years that could push his stay further if both parties wish. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari Hamilton’s high‑profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 was confirmed as a multi‑year deal.
At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, he clarified that his contract covers the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with an additional unilateral option for 2028, giving him flexibility to decide his final years in the sport. 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 reflects both the team’s cautious outlook on performance improvements and Albon’s limited alternatives on the grid. Carlos Sainz – Williams Just a day after Albon’s extension, Williams revealed that Sainz had agreed to a multi‑year contract that appears to bind him to the team until at least the close of 2028.
The surprise came despite Sainz publicly expressing doubts about staying with a team that struggled early in the 2026 season, suggesting that the new deal includes performance‑related clauses or financial incentives. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls Lawson aims to cement his position as the lead driver for Racing Bulls, competing alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Should he deliver impressive results, a return to the main Red Bull squad cannot be ruled out. If a promotion does not materialise, Lawson may explore opportunities with other teams for the 2027 grid, but his immediate focus must be on consistent podium‑contending performances. Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls The 18‑year‑old Swedish rookie impressed during his three practice sessions in 2025, notably finishing sixth in first practice at Mexico City. Lindblad now faces the challenge of avoiding major errors and matching or surpassing Lawson’s pace 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 through the end of the 2026 season. At 45, he would become the first driver since Graham Hill in 1975 to compete in F1 at that age. Given Aston Martin’s recent struggles, speculation remains about whether Alonso will retire after his contract expires. Lance Stroll – Aston Martin Stroll’s contract details are largely opaque, partly because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The Canadian driver has a deal that runs for "2025 and beyond," suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father retains ownership. Despite being outperformed by Alonso over three seasons, Stroll remains a fixture in the lineup. Oliver Bearman – Haas Bearman’s full‑season debut in 2025 was a blend of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes.
At 20, his performances have sparked talk of a potential future at Ferrari, possibly even as a successor to Hamilton. While Haas is not expected to challenge for wins soon, Bearman could become a highly sought‑after talent if he continues to develop. Esteban Ocon – Alpine Ocon’s form has dipped since a disappointing 2024 finale with Alpine and being outshone by Bearman at Haas in 2025.
He will aim to re‑establish himself as Alpine’s lead driver and to finish ahead of his teammate in the inter‑team battle, a factor that could influence his contract status for 2027. Nico Hülkenberg – Audi (formerly Sauber) Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined the team in 2025, but the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, he still enjoys racing and shows no intention of retiring, leaving his future dependent on performance and team needs.
Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi After winning both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, Bortoleto’s F1 debut has been modest, though he has shown steady improvement throughout 2025. At 21, he remains one of the most promising young drivers, and Audi is expected to retain him to continue nurturing his development. Pierre Gasly – Alpine Gasly extended his contract in September of the previous year, securing his place at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
Since joining the team in 2023, he has become the clear number one driver, and a more competitive Alpine chassis could enable him to achieve surprise podiums when front‑running teams encounter difficulties. Franco Colapinto – Alpine Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season and overcame a rocky start to earn a full‑season seat.
His performances impressed the team enough to grant him a second full campaign in 2027, confirming his status as a rising talent within the Alpine roster. Sergio Perez – Cadillac (new entry) Perez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the brand‑new Cadillac team after a year away from the sport.
While initially confirmed for the 2026 season, reports indicate he has signed a multi‑year agreement that will keep him with Cadillac for at least two seasons. Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac Bottas, like Perez, spent 2025 out of the cockpit but has now joined Cadillac on a multi‑year deal that runs through the end of 2027. The Finnish veteran hopes to add a few more noteworthy results before eventually stepping away from full‑time competition.
Overall, the 2026 driver market showcases a blend of stability and uncertainty. Several top drivers—Norris, Verstappen, Hamilton and Leclerc—have secured long‑term deals that will shape the sport’s narrative for half a decade. Meanwhile, younger talents such as Lawson, Lindblad, Bortoleto and Colapinto are on shorter contracts that could see them move if they outperform expectations.
As the 2027 season approaches, the combination of these agreements and the performance of each team’s car will dictate whether the grid remains largely unchanged or undergoes a significant reshuffle.