F1 Driver Contracts: Who's Signed Through 2027 and Beyond
The 2026 F1 season features a mix of long-term security and pending free agency, with stars like Verstappen and Leclerc on lengthy deals containing performance clauses. Many drivers, including Sainz, Albon, and Bearman, are on contracts expiring this year, making their on-track results crucial for securing a 2027 seat and setting the stage for potential market volatility.
The 2026 Formula 1 grid is largely locked in, but the season will serve as a critical audition for 2027 as several key driver contracts are set to expire. While stars like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc are on long-term deals, performance clauses and team competitiveness could trigger major moves, setting the stage for a potentially volatile driver market.
Why it matters:
Driver contracts are the foundation of team stability and long-term planning. With major regulation changes on the horizon for 2026, teams want certainty in their line-ups to develop cars effectively. For drivers, a contract year is a high-pressure environment where performance directly dictates future earning power and career trajectory, making the on-track battles even more consequential.
The details:
A team-by-team look at the current contractual landscape heading into the 2026 season:
- McLaren: The most stable line-up on the grid. Lando Norris is contracted through 2027 and Oscar Piastri through 2028, making a driver change highly unlikely.
- Mercedes: George Russell is understood to be signed through 2027. Rookie Kimi Antonelli's deal is confirmed for 2026, but his long-term future with the team he joined as a junior is likely secure.
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen is under contract until the end of 2028, but his deal contains performance-related exit clauses. New teammate Isack Hadjar is on a 2026 deal, with his future dependent on how close he can get to the reigning champion.
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc is believed to be signed through 2029, also with performance clauses. Lewis Hamilton's "multi-year" deal, following his shock move from Mercedes, is confirmed for 2026, with the seven-time champion hinting it extends further.
- Williams: Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have contracts concluding in 2026. Sainz's deal includes options to extend, but the car's competitiveness will be a key factor for both drivers.
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso (45) is confirmed through 2026, with retirement questions looming. Lance Stroll's seat is intrinsically linked to his father's ownership, with a deal announced for "2025 and beyond."
- Haas, Alpine, Audi & Cadillac: These teams feature numerous drivers on 2026 contracts, creating a pool of potential free agents. Key names include Haas's Oliver Bearman, Alpine's Pierre Gasly (signed through 2028) and Franco Colapinto, and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto. Newcomers Cadillac have Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas on multi-year deals understood to run through 2027.
What's next:
The 2026 season will be a massive evaluation period for drivers and teams alike. Performance against a teammate and overall results will directly influence contract negotiations for 2027.
- Drivers like Sainz, Albon, Bearman, and Bortoleto will be driving to secure their futures, either with their current teams or by attracting offers elsewhere.
- The biggest question marks surround the stars with performance clauses. If Red Bull or Ferrari fail to provide a competitive car, it could theoretically make Verstappen or Leclerc available, which would cause a seismic shift in the driver market.
- Ultimately, the competitive order established by the new 2026 regulations will be the primary driver of movement, as top talents seek seats capable of challenging for wins and championships.