The 2026 Formula One season offers a clear snapshot of how long each driver is tied to their respective teams, while also hinting at possible reshuffles ahead of 2027. Below is a comprehensive overview of the contractual landscape, supplemented with context and analysis to reach a full picture. Lando Norris secured a fresh deal with McLaren in August 2026, extending his stay until at least the close of the 2030 championship and including optional extensions that could push the partnership even further. Norris, who first raced for McLaren in 2019, clinched the world title in 2025 and has become one of the team’s cornerstone figures.
Alongside Norris, fellow Australian Oscar Piastri also inked a multi‑year extension before the 2025 season began. His new contract locks him at McLaren through the end of 2028, giving the team continuity in its driver lineup for the next several years.
Mercedes officially announced that George Russell would race for the team in 2026, following months of speculation during the previous summer. However, insider reports from Sky Sports News suggest that Russell actually signed a longer‑term agreement, guaranteeing his services at Mercedes until at least the end of the 2027 season. This multi‑year commitment reflects the German outfit’s desire to retain their 2022 champion as a central figure in their long‑term plans. At the same time, Mercedes confirmed that their promising youngster Kimi Antonelli would remain with the squad for the 2026 season.
Further reports indicate that Antonelli, like Russell, has signed a long‑term contract that will see him stay for a third consecutive year in 2027, positioning him as a potential future star for the team. Red Bull confirmed that Max Verstappen, after ending months of transfer rumours, signed a new contract in August 2026 that runs through the end of 2030. Verstappen cited the prospect of a return to V8 engines, confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the allure of competing in other motorsport categories as key factors influencing his decision.
Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, will welcome Isack Hadjar as Verstappen’s teammate for the upcoming season. Hadjar’s future at the team will largely hinge on his ability to match Verstappen’s performance, regardless of the RB22’s competitiveness.
Charles Leclerc renewed his Ferrari contract in June 2026. While the team chose not to disclose the exact length, they confirmed that the agreement secures Leclerc’s place at Maranello for the "coming seasons," which analysts interpret as a deal lasting at least until the end of 2028, with possible extension clauses. Lewis Hamilton made headlines in February 2024 when he announced a move to Ferrari for 2025. The initial announcement described the deal as multi‑year, and Hamilton later clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that his contract also covers the 2027 season, giving him a third year with the Scuderia.
Sky Sports F1 reports that Hamilton holds a unilateral option to extend his stay into 2028 if he wishes. Williams revealed a one‑year extension for Alex Albon during the 2026 summer break, keeping him at the team until the end of 2027.
The short‑term nature of the deal may reflect concerns about the team’s progress and limited alternatives for Albon. In contrast, a day later the team announced that Carlos Sainz had agreed to a multi‑year extension, likely tying him to Williams until at least the close of the 2028 season, despite earlier public doubts about his future.
At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson will aim to become the lead driver, competing against rookie Arvid Lindblad. If Lawson impresses Red Bull’s senior squad, a promotion back to the main team could be on the cards.
Should that not materialise, Lawson will need to secure a seat elsewhere for the 2027 grid by delivering strong results. Lindblad, the only true rookie on the 2026 grid, impressed during three practice sessions last year, notably finishing sixth in first practice at Mexico City.
The 18‑year‑old must avoid major errors and match or surpass Lawson’s pace to earn a second season with Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, guaranteeing his place until the end of the 2026 season. At 45, Alonso would become the first driver since Graham Hill in 1975 to race in Formula 1 at that age, prompting speculation about his retirement plans.
Lance Stroll’s contractual situation remains opaque. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, his seat appears secure for as long as his father retains ownership. Aston Martin announced in June 2024 that Lance has a deal covering "2025 and beyond," though exact terms were not disclosed. Oliver Bearman completed his first full F1 campaign in 2025 with a mixture of high‑profile errors and flashes of raw speed.
His performances have sparked talk of a possible future at Ferrari, potentially as a replacement for Hamilton. At 20, Bearman could become a sought‑after name in the driver market if he continues to develop.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped since a disappointing end to his Alpine tenure in 2024 and being out‑performed by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon will aim to re‑establish himself ahead of the 2027 season, as his contract status remains unsettled. Nico Hülkenberg signed a multi‑year deal when he joined Sauber (now Audi) in 2025.
While the contract does not guarantee a seat beyond the current season, Hülkenberg, now 38 and a father, shows no intention of retiring and remains enthusiastic about competing. Gabriel Bortoleto, after winning the F3 and F2 championships in his rookie years, has not yet reached the lofty expectations set for him. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 makes him one of the most promising young talents, and Audi is likely to retain the 21‑year‑old for the foreseeable future. Pierre Gasly signed a new contract in September 2023 that keeps him at Alpine until at least the end of 2028.
As the team’s lead driver, Gasly could deliver surprise results if Alpine’s car becomes more competitive. Franco Colapinto, who replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season, recovered from a shaky start and earned a full‑season seat.
His progress impressed Alpine enough to secure his place for a second full campaign in 2027. Sergio Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac entry after a year out of the sport. While initially confirmed only for 2026, sources indicate he signed a multi‑year contract covering at least two seasons. Valtteri Bottas is understood to have signed a similar multi‑year deal, keeping him with Cadillac through the end of 2027, as both drivers look to add further highlights to their careers after a year away from the grid.
Overall, the 2026 contract landscape shows a mix of long‑term security for star drivers, strategic extensions for promising youngsters, and short‑term deals that reflect teams’ performance uncertainties. As the 2027 season approaches, several of these agreements could be renegotiated, creating potential movement across the grid.