In the 2026 season, the landscape of Formula One driver contracts is taking shape as teams and riders lock in commitments ahead of the 2027 campaign. Below is a comprehensive overview of the length and key terms of each driver’s agreement, along with some context about recent extensions and the strategic motives behind them. Lando Norris secured a fresh deal with McLaren in August 2026, extending his stay until at least the close of the 2030 season, with optional clauses that could push the contract further beyond that date.
Norris, who debuted for the team in 2019 and captured the World Championship in 2025, has become a cornerstone of McLaren’s long‑term plan. Oscar Piastri also reaffirmed his future at McLaren by signing a multi‑year extension before the start of the 2025 season. The new contract guarantees his seat through the end of 2028, giving the Australian a solid three‑year window to develop alongside Norris.
Mercedes officially announced that George Russell would race for the team in 2026, but sources at Sky Sports News indicate that a longer‑term agreement has been signed, keeping him at the Silver Arrows until at least the conclusion of the 2027 season. The German‑British driver’s contract is believed to include performance‑related extensions, reflecting Mercedes’ desire for continuity after a period of driver turnover. Kimi Antonelli, the promising youngster promoted by Mercedes, will also remain with the team for the 2026 season. According to the same Sky Sports report, Antonelli has a long‑term deal that should see him continue with Mercedes for a third consecutive year in 2027, positioning him as a potential future lead driver.
Max Verstappen finally ended months of speculation by signing a new Red Bull contract in August 2026. The agreement runs through the end of 2030, effectively tying the five‑time champion to the Austrian outfit for the next four seasons. Verstappen cited the prospect of a return to V8 engines, Red Bull’s competitive package, and opportunities to explore other motorsport disciplines as factors influencing his decision. Isack Hadjar, after a standout rookie year with Racing Bulls, is expected to become Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull.
While his exact contract length has not been disclosed, analysts suggest his future will be heavily linked to his performance relative to Verstappen and the strength of the RB22 chassis. Charles Leclerc renewed his Ferrari contract in June 2026. The team chose not to reveal the precise term, merely confirming that the agreement secures his place at Maranello for the "coming seasons".
Industry insiders interpret this as a deal lasting at least until the end of 2028, with optional extensions that could keep him in the red suit beyond that point. Lewis Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari in 2025 was confirmed as a multi‑year arrangement. At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton clarified that he holds a contract for the 2027 season as well, making 2027 his third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 reports that he also possesses a unilateral option to remain for 2028, giving him flexibility should the team’s performance improve.
Williams announced a one‑year extension for Alex Albon during the 2026 summer break, extending his stay until the end of 2027. The short‑term nature of the deal reflects both the team’s uncertain progress and Albon’s limited alternatives on the market. Shortly after, the team disclosed that Carlos Sainz had agreed to a multi‑year extension, likely binding him to Williams through at least the end of 2028, despite his earlier public doubts about the team’s competitiveness. At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson is positioned as the lead driver, with rookie Arvid Lindblad as his teammate.
Lawson’s future hinges on delivering strong results that could attract attention from Red Bull’s senior squad. If a promotion does not materialise, Lawson may explore other seats for the 2027 grid, but he must first demonstrate consistent pace. Lindblad, an 18‑year‑old British talent, earned his place on the 2026 grid after impressive practice performances for Red Bull, including a sixth‑place finish in Mexico City’s first practice session. To retain his seat for a second year, he needs to avoid costly errors and match or surpass Lawson’s output.
Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, committing to remain until the end of the 2026 season. The 45‑year‑old Dutchman would become the oldest driver to compete in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975, prompting speculation about a possible retirement after the 2026 campaign.
Lance Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. Aston Martin confirmed in June 2024 that the Canadian has a deal covering "2025 and beyond", suggesting he will stay as long as his father retains ownership. Oliver Bearman completed his first full season in 2025 with a blend of spectacular speed and notable mistakes.
His performances have sparked rumors about a potential future seat at Ferrari, possibly as a replacement for Hamilton. At 20, Bearman could become a sought‑after name in the driver market if he continues to impress. Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped since a disappointing 2024 finish with Alpine and being out‑performed by Bearman at Haas in 2025.
Ocon aims to regain his standing and outperform Bearman in any intra‑team battles, a crucial factor as neither driver has confirmed a 2027 seat. Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year contract with Sauber (now Audi) when he joined in 2025. While the exact expiry is unclear, the agreement does not guarantee a place beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, Hülkenberg remains enthusiastic about racing and shows no intention of retiring.
Gabriel Bortoleto, the 21‑year‑old who captured both the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has shown steady improvement throughout 2025. Audi appears keen to retain him, given his status as one of the sport’s brightest young prospects. Pierre Gasly renewed his contract with Alpine last September, extending his stay until at least the end of 2028. Since joining the team in 2023, Gasly has become the de‑facto lead driver, and a more competitive Alpine chassis could yield surprise podiums.
Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season, recovered from a rocky start to earn a full‑season seat for 2026. Alpine’s confidence in his development earned him a contract for a second full campaign in 2027. Sergio Perez returned to Formula One in 2026 with the newcomer Cadillac team after a year away from the sport. Although initially confirmed only for the 2026 season, Sky Sports News reports that Perez has signed a multi‑year deal, guaranteeing at least two seasons with the American outfit.
Valtteri Bottas also appears to have secured a multi‑year contract with Cadillac, keeping him at the team through the end of 2027. Like Perez, Bottas spent 2025 out of a race seat and hopes to add further highlights to his distinguished career. Overall, the 2026 contract landscape reflects a mixture of long‑term security for established champions, strategic extensions for emerging talents, and short‑term deals that give teams flexibility as they navigate the evolving competitive environment ahead of the 2027 season.