Content:
One of the hottest topics each F1 season is drivers’ futures. Some are near contract expiry, others on short deals, and several secured long-term. Here’s the state of play for each team and their current deals.
McLaren
– Lando Norris: Multi-year deal running to at least the end of 2026, believed to include options/break clauses that may extend it.
– Oscar Piastri: Multi-year contract confirmed through at least the end of 2027, with the usual options and clauses.
Mercedes
– George Russell: Signed to a multi-year deal confirmed through at least 2026.
– Kimi Antonelli: Retained for 2026 as Mercedes’ rookie alongside Russell.
Red Bull
– Max Verstappen: Contracted to Red Bull through 2028, though performance-based get-out clauses are reported.
– Isack Hadjar: Promoted to Red Bull for 2026 after impressing at Racing Bulls; currently on the team’s short-term pathway.
Ferrari
– Charles Leclerc: On an unspecified multi-year arrangement with flexibility and options for both sides.
– Lewis Hamilton: Joined Ferrari on a multi-year deal; reports indicate it may be a three-year arrangement running to 2027.
Williams
– Alex Albon: Signed a new deal in 2024 described as multi-year, thought to run to the end of either 2026 or 2027 depending on performance clauses.
– Carlos Sainz: Moved to Williams for 2025 and is contracted through at least 2026.
Racing Bulls
– Liam Lawson: Redeemed his F1 trajectory and secured a Racing Bulls seat for 2026.
– Arvid Lindblad: Signed for Racing Bulls through 2026; impressed early by scoring points as a very young debutant.
Aston Martin
– Fernando Alonso: Committed to a multi-year deal (a long-term “lifetime” headline deal was reported) and will remain with Aston Martin into at least 2026.
– Lance Stroll: Extended his stay with Aston Martin; the latest extension keeps him in place while his family remains in control.
Haas
– Esteban Ocon: Joined Haas on a multi-year contract as part of a new driver pairing.
– Ollie Bearman: Earned a full-time seat for 2025 and beyond on undisclosed multi-year terms.
Audi (Sauber/Audi)
– Nico Hülkenberg: Left Haas to join Audi on a multi-year contract, with options that could keep him racing into his 40s if the partnership works.
– Gabriel Bortoleto: Signed through at least 2026 after success in F3 and F2; part of Audi’s youth plan.
Alpine
– Pierre Gasly: Agreed a fresh multi-year deal running to at least the end of 2028.
– Franco Colapinto: Stepped up to a race seat in 2025 and retained his place into 2026.
Cadillac
– Valtteri Bottas: Signed for Cadillac for their F1 entry on a multi-year deal that runs to at least the end of 2027.
– Sergio Pérez: Also signed a multi-year contract to join Cadillac for their launch into F1, on terms similar to Bottas.
Summary
Contracts vary from clear year-end expiries (many through 2026) to unspecified multi-year deals with options. Key long-term ties include Verstappen through 2028, Gasly to 2028, and several multi-year signings across the grid, while many seats still carry performance-linked clauses or potential early exit options.