Drivers’ Futures in Formula 1: 2026 and Beyond
During every Formula 1 season, discussions about drivers’ futures gain significant attention, particularly because some drivers are nearing contract expiry, while others are on short or long-term deals. The question arises: who will be driving where in 2026 and onward?
McLaren
Oscar Piastri: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Since making an impressive debut in 2023, Piastri has extended his contract with McLaren until at least the end of the 2027 season, possibly longer. Like any deal, it includes various options and clauses for both parties.
Lando Norris: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Now in his seventh season, Norris has remained loyal to McLaren. His contract is set to last until at least the end of 2026, with indications it may extend beyond that with possible break clauses.
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Leclerc signed a deal in early 2024, shortly before Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari as his teammate for the 2025 season. His contract is a flexible multi-year arrangement that includes options for both sides.
Lewis Hamilton: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari was also negotiated as a multi-year deal. Suggestions indicate it could run for three years, extending through 2027.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen: Contract Until 2028
Verstappen’s future generated considerable speculation throughout 2025, particularly regarding a clause in his contract, which is valid until 2028. However, he recently confirmed his commitment to staying for next season.
Yuki Tsunoda: Contract Until 2025
Originally with the Red Bull sister team, Tsunoda was promoted after two races. As he faces challenges, his future beyond 2025 remains uncertain.
Mercedes
George Russell: Contract Until 2025
Amid discussions about Verstappen, Russell’s contract, expiring at the end of 2025, keeps him onboard with Mercedes, a team he has raced for since 2022.
Kimi Antonelli: Contract Until 2025
Antonelli, Russell’s rookie teammate, has shown potential in his first season and is expected to continue with Mercedes into 2026 and beyond.
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso: Contract Until 2026
The oldest driver on the grid, Alonso continues with Aston Martin thanks to a multi-year deal established in early 2024.
Lance Stroll: Contract Until 2026
Stroll has been with Aston Martin since 2019 and, following his contract extension, is expected to remain as long as his father leads the team.
Alpine
Pierre Gasly: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Having joined Alpine in 2023, Gasly signed a new multi-year contract last summer, which will keep him with the team until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Franco Colapinto: 2025 (Race-by-Race)
The situation for the seat alongside Gasly is more fluid, originally held by Jack Doohan, with Colapinto stepping in for 2025. Alpine will decide if this is a race-by-race arrangement or a full season deal going forward.
Haas
Esteban Ocon: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Ocon has joined the new Haas lineup after the team parted ways with former drivers. He is on a multi-year agreement, partnering with newcomer Ollie Bearman.
Ollie Bearman: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Bearman made a significant impression during his stand-in performance for Ferrari and subsequently earned a full-time position with Haas under undisclosed multi-year terms.
Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar: Contract Until 2025
Hadjar has showcased promise during his rookie season. His long-term future remains uncertain as it lies in the hands of Red Bull, with talk of a possible promotion.
Liam Lawson: Contract Until 2025
Lawson had an initial stint with Red Bull but has since returned to Racing Bulls to rebuild his reputation for another season in 2025.
Williams
Alex Albon: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
After rejoining F1 with Williams in 2022, Albon has signed a new contract, reportedly lasting until at least the end of 2027.
Carlos Sainz: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Recently signed Sainz brings experience as a proven Grand Prix winner, expected to race for Williams starting in the 2025 season, securing a deal through at least 2026.
Kick Sauber/Audi
Nico Hulkenberg: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Hulkenberg signed with Kick Sauber early in 2025 and is under a multi-year agreement, potentially allowing him to race with Audi into his 40s if all goes well.
Gabriel Bortoleto: ‘Multi-year’ Deal
Bortoleto, a talented young driver, has joined Hulkenberg at Kick Sauber under a multi-year contract that will keep him with the team through at least the end of the 2026 season.
Cadillac
Cadillac is set to join Formula 1 as its 11th team in 2026, operating under an American-led initiative with a European base. The identities of their drivers remain undisclosed, but Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are heavily rumored to be involved.
