2025 F1 Driver Contract Expiry Dates Revealed Amid Revolutionary Market
The 2025 F1 season is set for a revolutionary driver market with only McLaren and Aston Martin retaining their 2024 line-ups. Most drivers have secured multi-year contracts extending through 2026 or beyond, reflecting teams' focus on stability ahead of new regulations. Key moves include Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari and Kimi Antonelli to Mercedes, while Yuki Tsunoda's contract expires in 2025, opening a spot for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull. This widespread contract activity sets the stage for a dynamic and potentially unpredictable competitive landscape in the coming seasons.
The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to feature an almost entirely reshuffled driver market, with only McLaren and Aston Martin retaining their 2024 line-ups. This unprecedented level of movement has created a fascinating landscape, with many drivers securing new long-term deals, while others face uncertain futures.
Why it matters:
The widespread changes in driver contracts highlight a dynamic shift in team strategies and driver ambitions. With key players like Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari and young talents like Kimi Antonelli joining Mercedes, the competitive balance could be significantly altered. Understanding these contract durations provides insight into team stability, future development plans, and potential free agency battles in the coming years.
The details:
- McLaren: Lando Norris is contracted until 2027, and Oscar Piastri has a multi-year deal likely extending to 2028. This stability positions McLaren with one of the most consistent pairings.
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc's deal is rumored to run until 2029 with a 2027 break clause, while Lewis Hamilton's blockbuster move secures him until at least 2026.
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen is locked in until 2028. Isack Hadjar joins for 2026, replacing Yuki Tsunoda, whose contract expires at the end of 2025. Tsunoda's inconsistent performance led to his departure after a brief return.
- Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are confirmed until 2026, solidifying Mercedes' line-up for the new regulations era.
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both have contracts extending until 2026, ensuring continuity for the team.
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly's contract has been extended until 2028, and Franco Colapinto is secured until 2026 after a strong rookie campaign.
- Haas: New signings Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman are both on deals through the end of 2026.
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson will be retained until 2026, joined by rookie Arvid Lindblad, also through 2026. Isack Hadjar will move to the main Red Bull squad after 2025.
- Williams: Alex Albon is signed through 2026+, and Carlos Sainz joins on a deal also lasting until 2026.
- Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have both signed multi-year deals, expected to last until the team transitions to Audi in 2026.
The big picture:
The significant number of multi-year contracts, particularly for 2026, reflects teams' preparations for the upcoming regulation changes. Teams are prioritizing stability and investing in both established talent and promising rookies to navigate the new technical era. This proactive approach aims to minimize disruption and maximize performance as F1 enters a new chapter.
What's next:
The 2025 season will be a crucial testing ground for many of these new partnerships. Driver performances will be closely watched, especially with several contracts featuring potential break clauses. The driver market for the 2027 season, following the initial phase of the new regulations, could see another wave of significant moves as teams reassess their long-term strategies and driver pairings.