In the 2026 Formula 1 season, the length of each driver’s contract has become a hot topic as teams and riders look ahead to the 2027 campaign and beyond. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current deals, extensions, and the strategic considerations that underpin them, presented in fresh language and expanded with additional context to give a fuller picture of the sport’s contractual landscape. **Lando Norris – McLaren** Lando Norris secured a fresh extension in August 2026, committing himself to McLaren until at least the close of the 2030 season, with optional clauses that could push the partnership even further. Norris, who made his Grand Prix debut with the team in 2019 and clinched the world championship in 2025, has become synonymous with McLaren’s recent resurgence.
The long‑term deal reflects the team’s confidence in his ability to lead their driver line‑up and to help develop the car as regulations evolve. **Oscar Piastri – McLaren** Australian talent Oscar Piastri also signed a multi‑year extension before the start of the 2025 season. His contract now runs through the end of 2028, giving McLaren a stable two‑driver core for the next several years. Piastri’s rapid adaptation to the top tier and his consistent points finishes have made him a valuable asset for the British outfit.
**George Russell – Mercedes** Mercedes initially announced that George Russell would race for them in 2026 only, after months of speculation during the previous summer. However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually agreed to a multi‑year contract, guaranteeing his seat at the Silver Arrows until at least the end of the 2027 season.
This move secures a key component of Mercedes’ driver lineup as they aim to reclaim the championship after a challenging period. **Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes** Alongside the news about Russell, Mercedes confirmed that young prospect Kimi Antonelli would stay on for the 2026 season. Further reports suggest Antonelli, much like Russell, has signed a longer‑term agreement that will keep him with the team for a third year in 2027, providing Mercedes with a promising development driver who could graduate to a full race seat in the near future. **Max Verstappen – Red Bull** Max Verstappen put an end to any lingering rumours about his future by signing a fresh contract with Red Bull in August 2026.
The new deal runs until the close of 2030. Verstappen cited several factors for staying, including the potential return of V8 engines, his confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the opportunity to explore other motorsport disciplines while remaining with a dominant team. **Isack Hadjar – Red Bull** Following Verstappen’s renewal, Red Bull announced that Isack Hadjar would join the squad as Verstappen’s teammate.
Hadjar’s promotion follows an impressive rookie season with Racing Bulls, and his contract length will largely depend on his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis. **Charles Leclerc – Ferrari** Charles Leclerc signed his latest agreement with Ferrari in June 2026. While the team did not disclose the exact duration, they confirmed that the contract secures his place at Maranello for the "coming seasons," which analysts interpret as covering at least through the end of 2028, with possible extension options built into the deal. **Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari** Lewis Hamilton’s high‑profile move to Ferrari, announced in February 2024, was initially described as a multi‑year arrangement.
At the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton clarified that his contract extends at least through 2027, marking his third year with the Scuderia. Sky Sports F1 also reports that Hamilton holds a unilateral option to remain for the 2028 season, giving him considerable flexibility.
**Alex Albon – Williams** Williams offered Alex Albon a one‑year extension during the 2026 summer break, keeping him on the roster until the end of 2027. The short‑term nature of the deal likely reflects the team’s uncertain performance trajectory and Albon’s limited alternatives in the market.
**Carlos Sainz – Williams** Just a day after Albon’s extension, Williams revealed that Carlos Sainz had secured a multi‑year contract, apparently binding him to the team until at least the end of 2028. This was somewhat surprising, given Sainz’s public doubts about staying with a team that had a sluggish start to the 2026 season.
**Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls** Liam Lawson is set to lead the Racing Bulls line‑up, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. If Lawson delivers strong performances, Red Bull may consider him for a return to the main team. Failing that, he will likely explore opportunities with other outfits to secure a 2027 seat.
**Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls** Swedish teenager Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed Red Bull during three practice sessions last year, notably finishing sixth in the first practice at Mexico City. To cement his future, Lindblad must avoid major errors and match or surpass Lawson’s pace, which would likely earn him a second season with Racing Bulls. **Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin** Fernando Alonso extended his Aston Martin contract in April 2024, guaranteeing his place until at least the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the first driver since Graham Hill in 1975 to compete at that age, raising questions about his retirement plans as Aston Martin navigates a challenging competitive environment.
**Lance Stroll – Aston Martin** Lance Stroll’s contract details remain opaque, largely because he is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. Nonetheless, Aston Martin announced in June 2024 that Lance has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father remains in charge. **Oliver Bearman – Haas** Oliver Bearman’s inaugural full season in 2025 was a mix of spectacular speed and high‑profile mistakes. His raw pace has sparked speculation about a possible future move to Ferrari, potentially as a replacement for Hamilton.
At 20, Bearman could become a sought‑after name in the driver market if he can translate his speed into consistent results. **Esteban Ocon – Alpine** Esteban Ocon’s form dipped after a disappointing 2024 finale with Alpine and being outshone by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of the intra‑team battle, a crucial factor since neither he nor his teammate has a confirmed 2027 contract.
**Nico Hulkenberg – Audi (Sauber)** When Nico Hulkenberg joined Sauber—now rebranded as Audi—in 2025, he signed a multi‑year deal. However, the agreement does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season. At 38 and a father, Hulkenberg still shows enthusiasm for racing and has not indicated any intention to retire.
**Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi** Gabriel Bortoleto, a former F3 and F2 champion, has not yet reached the lofty expectations set for him after his rapid rise. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 and his status as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid make it likely that Audi will retain the 21‑year‑old for the foreseeable future. **Pierre Gasly – Alpine** Pierre Gasly signed a new contract in September 2025 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
Since joining the team in 2023, Gasly has become the clear number one driver, and a more competitive car this year could deliver surprising podiums when the front‑running teams encounter difficulties. **Franco Colapinto – Alpine** Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan six rounds into the 2025 season, overcame a rocky start, and earned a full‑season seat for 2026. His performances have convinced Alpine to retain him for a second full campaign in 2027. **Sergio Perez – Cadillac** After a year out of Formula 1, Sergio Perez returned with the new Cadillac entry and is contracted for at least two seasons.
While his official confirmation covered only 2026, insiders at Sky Sports News understand that Perez has a multi‑year agreement extending beyond that. **Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac** Valtteri Bottas, who also spent 2025 on the sidelines, is believed to have signed a multi‑year deal with Cadillac that will keep him at the American team through the end of 2027. Bottas hopes to add further highlights to his career after a quiet 2025.
**Overall Outlook** The 2026 contract landscape shows a mix of long‑term security for star drivers—such as Norris, Verstappen, and Hamilton—and shorter, more flexible arrangements for others, reflecting both team performance expectations and driver market dynamics. As the 2027 season approaches, several of these deals could be renegotiated, especially if teams undergo significant technical changes or if drivers exceed or fall short of performance expectations.
The evolving nature of these contracts underscores the strategic importance of driver stability in a sport where technical regulation shifts can dramatically alter the competitive order.