F1 Contracts: Duration of Each Driver's Deal

In the 2026 Formula 1 season, the length of each driver’s contract is a hot topic as teams and riders look ahead to the 2027 campaign and beyond. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current agreements, extensions and likely timelines for the sport’s most prominent competitors, along with some context about why these deals matter.

**Lando Norris (McLaren)** Norris secured a fresh extension in August 2026 that guarantees his seat at McLaren until at least the close of the 2030 season, with club‑level options that could push the partnership even further. The British driver first arrived on the grid with McLaren in 2019 and, after a meteoric rise that culminated in a world title in 2025, he has become a cornerstone of the team’s long‑term plan. **Oscar Piastri (McLaren)** Piastri, another McLaren talent, signed a multi‑year extension before the start of the 2025 season. The new contract locks him in until the end of 2028, ensuring that the Australian will continue to develop alongside Norris for at least three more years.

**George Russell (Mercedes)** Mercedes officially announced Russell only for the 2026 season after months of speculation, but insider reports from Sky Sports News indicate that the Briton actually signed a multi‑year deal that runs through the end of 2027. This arrangement gives Mercedes a stable driver line‑up heading into the next regulatory cycle. **Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)** Alongside the announcement concerning Russell, Mercedes confirmed that their young protégé Antonelli will stay for the 2026 season. Further sources suggest Antonelli, like Russell, has a longer‑term contract that will see him on the Mercedes roster for a third consecutive year in 2027.

**Max Verstappen (Red Bull)** Verstappen ended all transfer rumours in August 2026 by committing to Red Bull with a new contract that runs until the end of 2030. In his statement he cited the prospect of a return to V8 engines, confidence in the Red Bull programme and the allure of competing in other motorsport categories as key factors influencing his decision. **Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing 2)** Following a standout rookie season with the Red Bull junior team, Racing Bulls, Hadjar is poised to become Verstappen’s teammate. While his exact contract length is not public, his future will largely depend on his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis.

**Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)** Leclerc signed his most recent agreement with Ferrari in June 2026. The team chose not to disclose a precise term, merely stating that the deal secures his future at Maranello for "the coming seasons." Analysts interpret this as a contract that runs at least through 2028, with possible extension clauses that could keep him in the red outfit for longer.

**Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)** Hamilton’s shock move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025 was one of the most high‑profile transfers in recent memory. The initial announcement described the arrangement as a multi‑year deal. At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton clarified that he is contracted for at least 2027 – his third year with the Scuderia – and that he also holds a unilateral option to stay for 2028 if he wishes.

**Alex Albon (Williams)** 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 trajectory and Albon’s limited alternatives on the market. **Carlos Sainz (Williams)** Just a day after Albon’s extension, Williams revealed that Sainz had agreed to a multi‑year extension that appears to bind him to the team through at least the close of the 2028 season.

The announcement surprised many because Sainz had publicly questioned his future after a difficult start to the 2026 campaign. **Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)** Lawson is expected to fight for the lead driver role at Racing Bulls, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. Should he deliver strong performances, a return to the main Red Bull squad could be on the cards.

If not, Lawson will likely explore opportunities with other teams for the 2027 grid. **Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)** The 18‑year‑old Swedish driver is the sole rookie on the 2026 grid. After impressing in three practice sessions last year – including a sixth‑place finish in first practice in Mexico City – his goal is to avoid costly errors and match or surpass Lawson’s pace, thereby earning a second season with Racing Bulls. **Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)** Alonso signed an extension in April 2024 that keeps him at Aston Martin until the end of the 2026 season.

At 45, he would become the oldest active driver in F1 since Graham Hill in 1975. Aston Martin’s recent performance struggles raise questions about whether Alonso will retire after his contract expires. **Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)** Stroll’s contract details remain vague, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. The team confirmed in June 2024 that he has a deal for "2025 and beyond," effectively guaranteeing his seat as long as his father remains in charge.

**Oliver Bearman (Haas)** Bearman’s first full season in 2025 was a mix of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes. At 20, he has already attracted speculation about a potential future move to Ferrari, possibly as a replacement for Hamilton.

Haas is not expected to challenge for podiums soon, so Bearman’s performances could make him a hot commodity on the driver market. **Esteban Ocon (Alpine)** Ocon’s form has dipped slightly after a disappointing 2024 finale with Alpine and being out‑performed by Bearman at Haas in 2025. He will be eager to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, especially as his contract has not yet been confirmed. **Nico Hülkenberg (Audi Sauber)** Hülkenberg joined the Sauber‑Audi operation in 2025 on a multi‑year deal, but the exact end date is unclear.

At 38 and a father, he still shows enthusiasm for racing and has not indicated any intention to retire. **Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi Sauber)** The 21‑year‑old Brazilian, a former F3 and F2 champion, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by his rapid ascent. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 has kept him among the most promising young talents, and Audi will likely aim to retain him for the foreseeable future. **Pierre Gasly (Alpine)** Gasly signed a new contract in September 2025 that secures his place at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.

Since joining the team in 2023, he has become the de‑facto lead driver, and a more competitive Alpine package could produce surprise results when the front‑runners falter. **Franco Colapinto (Alpine)** Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season, overcame a rocky start, and earned a full‑season seat for 2026. His performances have impressed Alpine enough that he will retain his drive for a second full campaign in 2027. **Sergio Pérez (Cadillac)** After a year away from the sport, Pérez returned with the new Cadillac entry and is contracted for at least two seasons.

While the official announcement only covered 2026, multiple sources confirm a multi‑year agreement. **Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)** Bottas, like Pérez, spent 2025 out of competition. He has reportedly signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him with Cadillac through the end of 2027, giving him a chance to add further highlights to his distinguished career.

Overall, the 2026 landscape shows a mixture of long‑term security for champions such as Norris, Verstappen and Hamilton, while several younger drivers are on shorter or performance‑based deals. The next few years will likely see a few high‑profile moves, especially as teams adjust to new technical regulations and the ever‑changing commercial environment of Formula 1.