As the 2026 Formula 1 season unfolds, the landscape of driver contracts is becoming clearer, offering a glimpse into which riders will stay put and which may be on the move ahead of 2027. Below is a detailed look at the length of each confirmed deal, together with context that explains the strategic thinking behind them. Lando Norris Norris sealed a contract extension in August 2026 that binds him to McLaren at least through the close of the 2030 campaign, with club‑option clauses that could stretch the agreement even further. The Briton has been a McLaren staple since his debut in 2019 and clinched the world title in 2025, making him a cornerstone of the team’s long‑term plans.
Oscar Piastri The Australian secured a fresh multi‑year extension before the start of the 2025 season, guaranteeing his place at McLaren until the end of 2028. The deal reflects McLaren’s confidence in Piastri’s development trajectory and the desire to keep a strong, home‑grown pairing alongside Norris. George Russell Mercedes officially announced Russell only for the 2026 season after months of speculation, but sources at Sky Sports News indicate he has actually signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him at the Silver Arrows until at least the conclusion of 2027.
This longer commitment gives Mercedes stability as they transition to their new power‑unit era. Kimi Antonelli Alongside the news about Russell, Mercedes confirmed that their young talent Kimi Antonelli will remain for the 2026 season. Further reports suggest Antonelli, like Russell, has a long‑term contract that will see him continue with the team for a third year in 2027, positioning him as a potential future lead driver.
Max Verstappen Red Bull put an end to any lingering rumours about Verstappen’s future by having him sign a new contract in August 2026 that runs through the end of 2030. Verstappen cited the possible return of V8 engines, his confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the allure of competing in other motorsport categories as key factors in his decision. Isack Hadjar Following a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, Hadjar is expected to become Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. His contract length will largely depend on his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis, but Red Bull appears keen to keep him for at least the next two seasons.
Charles Leclerc Leclerc’s most recent agreement with Ferrari was signed in June 2026. While the team did not disclose an exact end date, they confirmed the deal secures his future at Maranello for "the coming seasons," which analysts interpret as a commitment through the end of 2028, with possible extension options built in. Lewis Hamilton Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari in 2025 was initially announced as a multi‑year deal. At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix he clarified that his contract covers at least 2027, giving him a third year with the Scuderia, and he reportedly holds a unilateral option to extend into 2028.
Alex Albon 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 uncertain performance outlook and the limited alternative seats available to Albon at the moment. Carlos Sainz Just a day after Albon’s news, Williams revealed that Sainz has agreed to a multi‑year extension that ties him to the team at least until the close of the 2028 season. The surprise came after Sainz publicly questioned his future amid a difficult start to the 2026 campaign.
Liam Lawson Lawson will aim to cement his status as the lead driver at Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. Strong results could reopen the door to a Red Bull seat, but if that does not materialise, Lawson will need to negotiate a new contract elsewhere for the 2027 grid.
Arvid Lindblad The 18‑year‑old Swedish driver is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid after impressing Red Bull in three practice sessions last year, highlighted by a P6 in Mexico City’s first practice. Consistency and avoidance of major errors will be crucial for him to earn a second season with Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract in April 2024, guaranteeing his place until the end of the 2026 season.
At 45, he would become the first driver since Graham Hill in 1975 to race at that age, prompting speculation about a possible retirement after the contract expires. Lance Stroll Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. Aston Martin announced in June 2024 that he has a deal for "2025 and beyond," suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father remains at the helm. Oliver Bearman Bearman’s first full season in 2025 was a mix of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes, leading to talk of a potential future move to Ferrari.
At 20, he could become a hot commodity in the driver market if he can deliver consistent podium‑level performances. Esteban Ocon Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being out‑paced by Bearman at Haas in 2025. He will be looking to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, as his contract has not yet been confirmed. Nico Hülkenberg Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025, but the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season.
At 38 and a father, he remains enthusiastic about racing and has not indicated any retirement plans. Gabriel Bortoleto After winning the F3 and F2 championships in successive rookie years, Bortoleto’s progression to F1 has been steady rather than meteoric. Audi is likely to retain the 21‑year‑old for the foreseeable future, given his status as one of the team’s most promising young talents.
Pierre Gasly Gasly signed a new contract in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028. As the team’s de‑facto lead driver, a more competitive Alpine chassis could enable him to achieve surprise results against the traditional front‑runners. Franco Colapinto Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and, after a rocky start, earned a full‑season seat for 2026. His performances have convinced Alpine to retain him for another campaign in 2027.
Sergio Perez Perez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the brand‑new Cadillac outfit after a year out of the sport. While initially confirmed only for 2026, insider reports indicate he has signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him with Cadillac for at least two seasons. Valtteri Bottas Bottas, who also spent 2025 on the sidelines, is understood to have agreed to a multi‑year deal with Cadillac that runs through the end of 2027, giving him a chance to add further highlights to his lengthy F1 résumé. Overall, the 2026 contract landscape shows a blend of long‑term security for established champions and strategic, often shorter‑term agreements for emerging talents.
Teams are balancing the need for stability with the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly evolving technical regulations that will shape the 2027 season and beyond.