In the 2026 Formula One season the length of each driver's contract has become a hot topic, especially as teams and drivers look ahead to the 2027 campaign. Below is a comprehensive overview of the current deals, the extensions that have been signed, and the speculation surrounding several high‑profile names.
Lando Norris secured a fresh deal with McLaren in August 2026. The agreement guarantees his place at the Silverstone‑based outfit until at least the close of the 2030 season, with optional extensions that could keep him beyond that point. Norris, who made his debut with McLaren in 2019, achieved the pinnacle of the sport by winning the World Championship in 2025, and the team appears keen to retain him as the face of their project for the foreseeable future. Oscar Piastri, another McLaren talent, also signed a multi‑year extension before the start of the 2025 season.
His contract now runs through the end of 2028, giving the Australian driver a three‑year window to develop alongside Norris and help the team challenge the traditional front‑runners. Mercedes has been more discreet with its announcements. Officially, the German powerhouse confirmed only that George Russell would race for them in 2026 after months of speculation during the previous summer. However, sources at Sky Sports News indicate that Russell actually signed a multi‑year contract that will keep him at Mercedes until at least the end of 2027, providing stability for the 2022 World Champion as he continues to build on his recent successes.
The same outlet reports that Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes’ young protégé, also received a long‑term deal that will see him remain with the team for a third consecutive season in 2027. Antonelli’s progression through the junior ranks has impressed the Silver Arrows, and a multi‑year contract suggests they view him as a potential future lead driver. Max Verstappen finally put an end to the endless rumors about his future by signing a new contract with Red Bull in August 2026.
The agreement extends his stay until the end of 2030. Verstappen cited several factors for staying, including the possibility of a return to V8 engines, his confidence in Red Bull’s technical direction, and the allure of competing in other motorsport disciplines while remaining with a championship‑winning team.
Red Bull is also preparing a successor to partner Verstappen. Isack Hadjar, after a standout rookie year with Racing Bulls, is expected to become Verstappen’s teammate. His contract length will largely depend on his performance relative to Verstappen and the competitiveness of the RB22 chassis, but Red Bull appears ready to give him a multi‑year commitment if he proves himself.
Charles Leclerc renewed his agreement with Ferrari in June 2026. The team chose not to disclose the exact term, merely stating that the deal secures Leclerc’s future at Maranello for "the coming seasons." Analysts infer that the contract runs at least through 2028, with possible options to extend further, ensuring the Monegasque driver remains a central figure in Ferrari’s title chase. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 was one of the most shocking transfers in recent memory. While the initial announcement described the arrangement as a multi‑year deal, Hamilton clarified at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix that he also holds a contract for the 2027 season, marking his third year with the Scuderia.
Sky Sports F1 suggests Hamilton possesses a unilateral option to stay for 2028 if both parties agree. Williams took a different approach, offering Alex Albon a one‑year extension that keeps him at the team until the end of 2027. The short‑term nature of the deal may reflect concerns about the team’s pace and limited alternatives for Albon. Conversely, the same weekend saw Carlos Sainz sign a multi‑year extension that appears to bind him to Williams at least until the close of 2028, surprising many after Sainz publicly questioned his future amid a difficult start to the 2026 season.
At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson is expected to fight for the lead seat against rookie Arvid Lindblad. Should Lawson impress, a promotion back to Red Bull’s main squad cannot be ruled out. If that pathway does not materialise, Lawson will likely explore other opportunities to secure a 2027 drive, but he must first deliver strong results to attract interest.
Lindblad, the 18‑year‑old British teenager, 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. His goal is to avoid costly errors and match or exceed Lawson’s pace, which would almost certainly guarantee him a second season with Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso extended his contract with Aston Martin in April 2024, ensuring his seat through 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 if he continues beyond this year. Aston Martin’s relative lack of competitiveness raises questions about whether Alonso will retire after the season or seek a new challenge. Lance Stroll remains the only driver whose contract details are largely opaque. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, his position appears secure as long as his father retains control of the outfit.
The Canadian was announced in June 2024 to have a deal covering "2025 and beyond," but exact expiry dates have not been disclosed. Oliver Bearman completed his first full season in 2025 with a blend of spectacular speed and notable mistakes. His raw pace has sparked speculation that he could one day replace Hamilton at Ferrari. At 20, Bearman could become a sought‑after name in the driver market if he can translate his speed into consistent results.
Esteban Ocon’s form has dipped after a disappointing 2024 with Alpine and being outperformed by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon will aim to re‑establish himself and out‑shine his rivals, especially as both he and Bearman have yet to secure contracts for 2027.
Nico Hülkenberg joined Sauber (now rebranded as Audi) in 2025 on a multi‑year deal, but the exact length remains unclear, leaving his future beyond the current season uncertain. Despite being 38 and a father, Hülkenberg still enjoys racing and shows no intention of retiring. Gabriel Bortoleto, the 21‑year‑old who captured both the F3 and F2 championships in his debut seasons, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set for him. Nevertheless, his improvement throughout 2025 has convinced Audi that retaining him would be advantageous for the team’s long‑term development.
Pierre Gasly signed a contract extension with Alpine last September that guarantees his place 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 Alpine chassis could enable him to achieve surprise podiums when the traditional front‑runners falter. Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and, after a rocky start, earned a full‑season seat for 2026. His performances have impressed Alpine enough to secure him a second full campaign in 2027.
Sergio Perez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new 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 agreement that will keep him with Cadillac for at least two seasons.
Valtteri Bottas, who also spent 2025 out of the cockpit, is understood to have a similar multi‑year contract extending his stay at Cadillac through the end of 2027, giving both veteran drivers a chance to add more highlights to their careers. Overall, the 2026 landscape shows a mixture of long‑term security for champions like Norris, Verstappen and Leclerc, while several drivers are still navigating short‑term extensions or awaiting confirmation for the 2027 season. The next year promises to bring further negotiations, potential driver swaps, and the inevitable speculation that accompanies Formula One’s ever‑evolving roster.