As the 2026 Formula One season draws to a close, the landscape of driver agreements is beginning to take shape, offering a glimpse of which talents will be on the grid in 2027 and beyond. While some contracts have already been confirmed for several years, others remain shrouded in ambiguity, leaving fans and teams alike to speculate about potential moves. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current status of each driver’s deal, along with additional context to help understand the strategic considerations behind these commitments.
Lando Norris secured a long‑term extension with McLaren in August 2026. The new terms guarantee his seat at the Silverstone‑based outfit until at least the end of the 2030 season, with optional clauses that could push his stay even further. Norris, who debuted for McLaren in 2019 and clinched the world championship in 2025, has become the face of the team’s resurgence, and the extended contract reflects both his on‑track success and his marketability. Australian youngster Oscar Piastri also signed a multi‑year extension with McLaren ahead of the 2025 campaign.
His deal runs through the conclusion of the 2028 season, ensuring that the two‑time rookie champion will continue to develop alongside Norris in a stable environment. The pair’s partnership is expected to be a cornerstone of McLaren’s long‑term strategy. Mercedes’ situation is slightly more complex. The team officially announced that George Russell would race for them in 2026, but insider reports from Sky Sports News indicate that Russell has actually signed a multi‑year agreement that keeps him at the German powerhouse until at least the close of 2027.
This longer commitment provides Mercedes with continuity as they aim to maintain their dominance in the hybrid era. Alongside Russell, Mercedes confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will remain with the squad for the 2026 season.
Further sources suggest that Antonelli, like Russell, has secured a long‑term deal that will see him continue with the team for a third year in 2027, positioning him as a potential future lead driver once the current lineup evolves. Red Bull’s star, Max Verstappen, finally ended months of speculation by signing a fresh contract in August 2026 that locks him in until the end of 2030. Verstappen cited the prospect of a return to V8 engines, his confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the allure of competing in other motorsport disciplines as key factors influencing his decision.
His long‑term stay cements Red Bull’s plan to build around the Dutch champion for the foreseeable future. Joining Verstappen, Isack Hadjar is set to become his teammate at Red Bull for the 2027 season. Hadjar’s impressive rookie year with Racing Bulls has earned him a promotion, though the exact length of his contract remains undisclosed.
Analysts believe his future will largely hinge on his ability to match Verstappen’s performance and adapt to the RB22 chassis. Charles Leclerc’s latest agreement with Ferrari, signed in June 2026, continues the pattern of vague public statements. While the team did not reveal a precise end date, they confirmed that the contract secures Leclerc’s services for "the coming seasons," which is interpreted as a commitment through at least 2028, with possible extensions built into the deal.
Lewis Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari in 2025 was originally announced as a multi‑year arrangement. At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton clarified that he holds a contract covering the 2027 season as well, effectively giving him three years with the Scuderia.
Sky Sports F1 also reports that Hamilton possesses a unilateral option to stay for 2028, giving him considerable flexibility as his career progresses. Williams has taken a more conservative approach. The team announced a one‑year extension for Alex Albon in the summer of 2026, keeping him until the end of 2027. The short‑term nature of the deal may reflect the team’s uncertainty about its competitive trajectory and Albon’s limited alternatives.
Conversely, on the same day, Williams confirmed that Carlos Sainz has agreed to a multi‑year extension that ties him to the team at least until the end of 2028, a surprising development given his earlier public doubts about staying at the British outfit. At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson is positioned as the lead driver for 2026, with rookie Arvid Lindblad as his teammate. Should Lawson deliver standout performances, Red Bull could consider him for a future seat in the main team. If that pathway does not materialise, Lawson will likely explore opportunities with other constructors for the 2027 grid, but his immediate focus must be on producing strong results.
British teenager Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed during his three practice sessions last year, notably finishing sixth in the first practice session in Mexico City. To secure a second season with Racing Bulls, Lindblad must avoid major errors and aim to match or surpass Lawson’s pace, thereby proving his readiness for a longer F1 career. Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, ensuring his presence through the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the oldest driver to compete in Formula 1 since Graham Hill’s 1975 appearance, prompting speculation about a possible retirement after the contract expires.
Aston Martin’s performance struggles add another layer of uncertainty to his future plans. Lance Stroll’s contract details remain largely opaque, primarily because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.
The Canadian has a deal that covers "2025 and beyond," suggesting that his seat is linked to his father’s ownership tenure rather than a traditional performance‑based agreement. Oliver Bearman’s debut full season in 2025 was a mix of spectacular speed and occasional errors. His flashes of brilliance have sparked rumors that he could one day replace Hamilton at Ferrari, especially if he continues to develop at Haas, a team unlikely to challenge for podiums in the near term. At 20, Bearman could become a highly sought‑after talent in the driver market.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped since a disappointing finish to his Alpine stint in 2024 and being outperformed by Bearman in 2025. Ocon will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, especially as both he and Bearman have yet to secure long‑term contracts. Nico Hülkenberg joined Sauber (now Audi) on a multi‑year deal in 2025, but the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still shows enthusiasm for racing and has not indicated any intention to retire.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the 21‑year‑old who captured the F3 and F2 championships in successive rookie years, has yet to reach the lofty expectations set for him. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him one of Audi’s most promising prospects, and the team is likely to retain him to continue his development. Pierre Gasly signed a contract extension in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
Having become the team’s lead driver, Gasly could deliver surprise results if Alpine provides a more competitive car next season. Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan midway through 2025, overcame a rocky start to earn a full‑season seat for 2026.
His performances have convinced Alpine to keep him for a second campaign in 2027. Sergio Perez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year away from the sport.
While the initial announcement covered only the 2026 season, reports suggest he has signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him with the American team for at least two years. Veteran Valtteri Bottas also appears to have secured a multi‑year deal with Cadillac, extending his stay through the end of 2027. Both Perez and Bottas, who spent 2025 out of competition, are looking to add further highlights to their distinguished careers. In summary, the 2026 season sees a mixture of long‑term security for established stars like Norris, Verstappen, and Hamilton, alongside shorter or uncertain deals for drivers such as Albon, Stroll, and Hülkenberg.
As teams finalize their line‑ups for 2027, the balance between performance, marketability, and strategic planning will continue to shape the ever‑evolving world of Formula One driver contracts.