An overview of the length of the contracts currently binding each Formula 1 driver as the 2026 season unfolds, and a look ahead to possible shifts before the 2027 campaign. Lando Norris secured a multi‑year extension just before the opening round of the 2024 season, stretching his original agreement—originally due to finish in 2025—out to at least the close of 2027. The reigning champion therefore remains a McLaren driver for a minimum of three more seasons, giving the team a stable centerpiece for its development programme. A few weeks later, fellow Australian Oscar Piastri also locked in a fresh multi‑year deal with McLaren, this time extending his stay until the end of 2028.
The contract ensures that McLaren will retain both of its young talents for the next four years, providing continuity in the driver line‑up while the team works on a new chassis and power unit partnership. Mercedes officially announced that George Russell would race for the team in 2026, but according to Sky Sports News the Dutchman actually signed a longer‑term contract that will keep him at the Silver Arrows until at least the end of 2027. This aligns Russell’s tenure with the team’s long‑term strategic plan and gives the German outfit a clear driver hierarchy heading into the next two seasons. In a similar vein, Mercedes confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will continue with the squad for the 2026 season.
Reports suggest that Antonelli, like Russell, has also agreed to a multi‑year arrangement that will see him remain with the team for a third campaign in 2027. The young driver’s extended stay reflects Mercedes’ commitment to nurturing emerging talent alongside its established stars. Red Bull’s dominant champion Max Verstappen put an end to any speculation about his future by signing a new contract in August 2026 that runs through the end of 2030.
Verstappen cited the potential return of V8 engines, his confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the allure of competing in other motorsport categories as key reasons for committing to the team for another five years. Following Verstappen’s renewal, Red Bull confirmed that French rookie Isack Hadjar will join the team as Verstappen’s teammate for the 2027 season. Hadjar’s promotion comes after an impressive rookie year with Racing Bulls, and his future at Red Bull will largely depend on how closely his performance matches Verstappen’s, as well as the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis. Charles Leclerc’s latest Ferrari contract was signed in June 2026.
While Ferrari did not disclose the exact length, the team stated that the agreement secures Leclerc’s place at Maranello for "the coming seasons," which is widely interpreted as covering at least through 2028, with possible extensions built into the deal. This gives Ferrari a clear lead driver for the next three years while they continue to refine their power unit and aerodynamic package. Lewis Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024 for the 2025 season, was later clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix.
Hamilton confirmed that he has a contract covering at least 2027, his third year with the Scuderia, and that he also holds a unilateral option to extend into 2028. This arrangement provides Ferrari with a seasoned champion who can mentor the younger driver line‑up while still delivering podium finishes. Williams announced 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 concerns about the team’s progress and the limited alternatives available to Albon. However, a day later, Williams revealed that Carlos Sainz had agreed to a multi‑year extension that appears to bind him to the team until at least the close of 2028, surprising many after Sainz publicly questioned his future amid a difficult start to the 2026 season. At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson is aiming to cement his status as the lead driver alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad. If Lawson continues to impress, a return to Red Bull’s main roster could be on the cards.
Should that not materialise, Lawson will likely explore opportunities with other teams to secure a seat for the 2027 grid, but strong results will be essential. British teenager Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed Red Bull during three practice sessions last year, even finishing sixth in the first practice at Mexico City. At 18, his goal is to avoid major mistakes and match or out‑perform Lawson, which would almost guarantee him a second season with Racing Bulls.
Fernando Alonso signed a contract extension in April 2024 that keeps him at Aston Martin until the end of the 2026 season. The 45‑year‑old Dutchman would become the oldest driver on the grid since Graham Hill in 1975 if he continues beyond this year, prompting speculation about a possible retirement after the season. Lance Stroll’s contract details remain vague, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. Aston Martin announced in June 2024 that Lance has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," effectively securing his seat as long as his father remains in charge.
Oliver Bearman’s first full F1 season in 2025 was a mix of high‑speed brilliance and notable errors, leading to talk of a potential future at Ferrari. At 20, Bearman could become a sought‑after name in the driver market if he can deliver consistent pace with Haas, a team not expected to challenge for podiums in the near term.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped slightly after a disappointing finish to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being outshone by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon will be eager to regain his standing in the intra‑team battle, a factor that could influence his contract situation for 2027, as neither driver’s future has been confirmed.
Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025, but the agreement does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still enjoys racing and shows no intention of retiring, leaving his future open depending on Audi’s performance and driver market dynamics.
Gabriel Bortoleto, after winning both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has not yet reached the lofty expectations set for him. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 and status as one of the most promising young talents on the grid make it likely that Audi will retain the 21‑year‑old for the coming years.
Pierre Gasly signed a contract extension in September that secures his place at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. Since joining the team in 2023, Gasly has become the clear number one driver, and a more competitive Alpine car could enable him to achieve surprise podiums when the front‑runners falter. Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season, recovered from a shaky start to earn a full‑season seat with Alpine.
His performances have convinced the team to keep him for a second full campaign in 2027. Sergio Perez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year out of the sport. While initially confirmed only for 2026, Sky Sports News reports that Perez has signed a multi‑year contract, guaranteeing his stay for at least two seasons.
Valtteri Bottas, similarly, is understood to have agreed to a multi‑year deal with Cadillac that will keep him with the American outfit until the end of 2027, giving the former champion a chance to add further highlights to his career after a year on the sidelines in 2025. Overall, the landscape of driver contracts in 2026 shows a mixture of long‑term security for star performers, strategic extensions for promising youngsters, and short‑term deals that reflect the uncertain performance trajectories of some teams. These agreements will shape the driver market heading into the 2027 season and influence how teams plan their development programmes over the next few years.