Formula 1 Driver Contracts: A Look Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

An overview of the current contract durations for each Formula 1 driver, with projections for the 2026 season and anticipation for potential shifts leading into 2027.

McLaren

Lando Norris - Until at least 2027

Lando Norris extended his contract shortly before the 2024 Formula 1 season began, signing a multi-year deal that was set to conclude in 2025. This ensures Norris remains with McLaren through the end of the 2027 season.

Oscar Piastri - Until 2028

Oscar Piastri secured his future with McLaren by signing a new multi-year contract extension prior to the 2025 F1 season, committing him to the team until the close of 2028.

Mercedes

George Russell - Until at least 2027

Mercedes officially announced George Russell for the 2026 season, following considerable speculation. However, reports indicate Russell has signed a multi-year contract, securing his presence with Mercedes until at least the end of 2027.

Kimi Antonelli - Until at least 2027

Mercedes confirmed Kimi Antonelli's retention for 2026 concurrently with the announcement regarding Russell's future. It's understood that, similar to Russell, Antonelli has signed a long-term agreement, keeping him with Mercedes for a potential third campaign in 2027.

Red Bull

Max Verstappen - Until 2030

Max Verstappen concluded speculation about his future by signing a new Red Bull contract in August 2026, committing him to the team until the end of 2030. Verstappen cited factors such as the potential return of V8 engines, confidence in Red Bull, and the opportunity to race in other motorsport categories as reasons for his new deal.

Isack Hadjar - Until 2026

Isack Hadjar is set to become the seventh driver in eight years to partner Verstappen at Red Bull, following a strong rookie season with Racing Bulls. His future will largely depend on his proximity to Verstappen's performance, irrespective of the RB22's competitiveness.

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc - Until at least 2028

Charles Leclerc signed his latest Ferrari contract in June 2026. While the team did not disclose the exact duration, it was stated to secure Leclerc's commitment "for the coming seasons," projecting his tenure at Maranello until at least the end of 2028, with potential options for further extension.

Lewis Hamilton - Until at least 2027 (with 2028 option)

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025, announced in February 2024, was a landmark transfer in F1 history. Ferrari described it as a multi-year deal. Hamilton later clarified that his contract includes at least 2027, marking his third year with the team. It's also understood he holds a unilateral option for 2028.

Williams

Alex Albon - Until 2027

During the 2026 summer break, Williams announced a one-year contract extension for Alex Albon, keeping him with the team until the end of 2027. The short-term nature of this deal may reflect concerns within Albon's camp regarding the team's progress and a lack of readily available alternative opportunities.

Carlos Sainz - Until at least 2028

The day after Albon's extension, Williams revealed that Carlos Sainz had agreed to a multi-year contract, seemingly securing his place with the team until at least the end of the 2028 season. The "multi-year" aspect was somewhat surprising, given Sainz's prior expressed doubts about remaining with Williams due to their challenging start to the 2026 season.

Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson - Until 2026

Liam Lawson will aim to establish himself as the lead driver at Racing Bulls against rookie Arvid Lindblad. Should he impress Red Bull, a return to the main team could be a possibility. If not, Lawson might explore opportunities with other teams for a 2027 grid spot, contingent on delivering strong results.

Arvid Lindblad - Until 2026

As the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, British teenager Lindblad impressed Red Bull in three practice sessions last year. The 18-year-old needs to avoid significant errors and, at minimum, match or outperform teammate Lawson to secure a second season with Racing Bulls.

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso - Until 2026

Fernando Alonso extended his contract in April 2024, committing to Aston Martin until at least the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season. As the grid's most experienced driver, turning 45 that year, questions may arise about his future beyond this contract, especially given Aston Martin's current performance.

Lance Stroll - Until 2026

Lance Stroll's contract details are largely undisclosed, partly due to his status as the team owner's son, suggesting his seat is secure as long as his father remains involved. Despite being consistently outperformed by Alonso over three seasons, Aston Martin formally announced in June 2024 that Stroll has a deal for "2025 and beyond," implying at least a 2026 presence.

Haas

Oliver Bearman - Until 2026

Oliver Bearman's debut full F1 season in 2025 showcased a mix of errors and impressive speed, sparking speculation about a potential future at Ferrari. Given Haas's current standing, Bearman, at 20, could become a significant player in the driver market if he performs well.

Esteban Ocon - Until 2026

Esteban Ocon's stock has seen a slight decline in recent years due to a disappointing end to his Alpine tenure in 2024 and being outpaced by Bearman at Haas in 2025. Ocon's focus will be on outperforming Bearman in their intra-team battle, a crucial factor given neither driver has confirmed seats for 2027.

Audi

Nico Hulkenberg - Until 2026

Nico Hulkenberg joined Sauber (now Audi) on a multi-year contract in 2025, meaning his future beyond this season is not guaranteed. Despite being 38 and a father, Hulkenberg continues to demonstrate enjoyment for F1 and shows no immediate signs of retirement.

Gabriel Bortoleto - Until 2026

Gabriel Bortoleto's transition to F1 followed a highly successful junior career, but his initial performance has not entirely met expectations. However, Bortoleto showed improvement throughout 2025 and remains a highly-rated young talent, making his retention beneficial for Audi.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly - Until 2028

Pierre Gasly committed to Alpine until at least the end of 2028 in a new contract announced last September, having joined the team in 2023. He has emerged as Alpine's lead driver, and a more competitive car this season could lead to unexpected results when top teams falter.

Franco Colapinto - Until 2027

Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan early in the 2025 season and, after a challenging start, has earned a seat for the current year. His performances have impressed Alpine enough to retain him for a second full campaign in 2027.

Cadillac

Sergio Perez - Until at least 2027

Sergio Perez returns to F1 with newcomers Cadillac after a year out, signing for at least two seasons. While confirmed only for 2026, reports suggest he has agreed to a multi-year deal.

Valtteri Bottas - Until at least 2027

Valtteri Bottas is also understood to have signed a multi-year contract, keeping him with Cadillac until at least the end of 2027. Like Perez, he was on the sidelines in 2025 but will be looking to add more notable moments to his F1 career.