In the 2026 Formula One season, the landscape of driver contracts is shaping up to determine the roster for the 2027 campaign and beyond. Below is a comprehensive overview of each driver’s current deal, the length of their commitment, and the strategic implications for their respective teams. The information reflects the latest announcements, reliable insider reports, and official statements as of September 2026.
**Lando Norris – McLaren** Norris secured a contract extension in August 2026 that guarantees his seat at McLaren until the close of the 2030 season, with additional clauses that could push his stay even further. The Briton, who debuted in Formula One with the team in 2019, clinched his first world championship in 2025, cementing his status as a cornerstone of McLaren’s long‑term plan. The extension not only rewards his on‑track success but also provides stability for the team as they develop their next‑generation chassis.
**Oscar Piastri – McLaren** The Australian signed a multi‑year extension ahead of the 2025 season, binding him to McLaren through the end of 2028. Piastri’s rapid rise from the junior categories to a full‑time F1 seat has made him a valuable asset, and the extended contract reflects McLaren’s confidence in his ability to grow alongside Norris and contribute to the team’s championship ambitions. **George Russell – Mercedes** While Mercedes initially announced Russell only for the 2026 season, sources at Sky Sports News confirm that he has actually inked a multi‑year deal that will keep him at the Silver Arrows until at least the end of 2027. This arrangement gives Mercedes continuity after the departure of several senior figures and aligns with their strategy to build a stable driver lineup around their powerful power unit.
**Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes** Mercedes confirmed that Antonelli will race for them in 2026, and further reporting indicates he has also signed a long‑term contract extending his stay through the 2027 season. The young Italian, who impressed during his debut year, is being groomed as a potential future lead driver, and the extended commitment signals Mercedes’ intent to nurture his development within their program. **Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing** Verstappen ended all speculation about his future by signing a new contract in August 2026 that locks him into Red Bull until the end of 2030. In his statement, the Dutch champion cited the possibility of a return to V8 engines, the continued competitiveness of the Red Bull package, and the allure of exploring other motorsport disciplines as key factors influencing his decision.
His long‑term deal ensures that Red Bull retains its star driver for the next half‑decade. **Isack Hadjar – Red Bull Racing** Following a standout 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 hinge on his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis. Analysts suggest a multi‑year arrangement is likely if he can consistently challenge the team’s lead driver. **Charles Leclerc – Ferrari** Leclerc renewed his agreement with Ferrari in June 2026. The team refrained from specifying the exact duration, stating only that it secures his services for the "coming seasons".
The wording implies a contract that runs at least through the end of 2028, with possible extension options that could keep him at Maranello beyond that point. **Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari** Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, was confirmed as a multi‑year deal. At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, he clarified that his contract covers at least the 2027 season, marking his third year with the Scuderia, and he also holds a unilateral option for 2028. This structure gives Hamilton flexibility while providing Ferrari with a seasoned champion for the immediate future.
**Alex Albon – Williams** Williams offered Albon a one‑year extension 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 uncertain performance trajectory and Albon’s limited alternatives on the market. **Carlos Sainz – Williams** In a surprise move, Williams announced that Sainz signed a multi‑year extension that appears to bind him to the team until at least the close of the 2028 season. The agreement came despite Sainz’s earlier public doubts about staying with a team that had a sluggish start to the 2026 campaign, indicating that Williams may have offered significant performance incentives.
**Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls** Lawson is set to battle rookie Arvid Lindblad for the lead seat at Racing Bulls. Should he deliver strong results, Red Bull may consider him for a return to the main team.
If that pathway does not materialise, Lawson will likely explore opportunities with other constructors to secure a 2027 grid spot. **Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls** The 18‑year‑old Swedish driver is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, having impressed Red Bull during three practice sessions last year, notably finishing sixth in first practice at Mexico City.
Lindblad’s goal is to avoid costly errors and match or surpass Lawson’s pace, which would earn him 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 oldest driver to compete in Formula 1 since Graham Hill in 1975. Given Aston Martin’s current challenges, speculation remains about whether Alonso will retire after his contract expires. **Lance Stroll – Aston Martin** Stroll’s contract details are opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. However, Aston Martin confirmed in June 2024 that he has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father retains ownership.
**Oliver Bearman – Haas** Bearman’s inaugural full‑season in 2025 was a mix of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes. His performance sparked rumors that he could one day replace Hamilton at Ferrari. At 20, Bearman could become a hot commodity in the driver market if he demonstrates consistency and pace.
**Esteban Ocon – Alpine** Ocon’s form has dipped following a disappointing 2024 finale with Alpine and being outperformed by Bearman at Haas in 2025. He will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, especially as his contract has not yet been confirmed. **Nico Hülkenberg – Audi (formerly Sauber)** Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined the team in 2025, but the agreement does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season.
At 38 and a father, he remains enthusiastic about racing and shows no intention of retiring. **Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi** The 21‑year‑old Brazilian, a double champion in F3 and F2, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by his junior successes.
Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him one of Audi’s most promising talents, and the team is likely to retain him for the foreseeable future. **Pierre Gasly – Alpine** Gasly signed a new contract in September 2023 that extends his stay at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. Having joined the team in 2023, he has become their lead driver, and a more competitive car this year could produce surprise podiums. **Franco Colapinto – Alpine** After replacing Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season, Colapinto steadied his performance and earned a full‑time seat for 2027.
The Argentine’s progress has convinced Alpine to keep him for another campaign. **Sergio Pérez – Cadillac** Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac outfit after a year away from the sport. While initially confirmed only for 2026, reports indicate he has signed a multi‑year contract 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 has now joined Cadillac on a multi‑year deal that runs through the end of 2027.
The Finnish veteran hopes to add further highlights to his extensive F1 résumé. Overall, the 2026 contract landscape reveals a mix of long‑term security for championship‑winning drivers such as Norris, Verstappen, and Hamilton, while several younger talents are on shorter or performance‑based deals that could see significant movement ahead of the 2027 season.
Teams are balancing the need for stability with the desire to retain flexibility as the sport evolves with new technical regulations and emerging market opportunities.