Driver futures are always a hot topic in Formula 1. Some racers are locked into long-term deals, others are on short-term or performance-linked contracts, and a few seats are still governed by options or clauses. Below is a team-by-team rundown of the current contract situation as provided.
McLaren
Lando Norris is on a multi-year deal that runs at least through the end of 2026 and is believed to include options or break clauses that could extend or alter the term. Oscar Piastri is signed on a multi-year contract confirmed through at least the end of 2027, similarly understood to include the usual options and clauses.
Mercedes
George Russell is tied to a multi-year contract confirmed through at least 2026. Mercedes have also retained Kimi Antonelli as their rookie for 2026, pairing him alongside Russell in that season.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028, though reports indicate there are performance-based get-out clauses in the deal. Isack Hadjar has been promoted into the Red Bull lineup for 2026 after impressing with Racing Bulls and is currently on the team’s short-term development pathway.
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc is on an unspecified multi-year arrangement that offers flexibility and options for both sides. Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari on a multi-year deal that has been reported as likely running around three years, taking him through 2027 under those reports.
Williams
Alex Albon signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 that is 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 there through at least the end of 2026.
Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson has secured a Racing Bulls seat for 2026, reviving his F1 trajectory. Arvid Lindblad is signed at Racing Bulls through 2026 and made an early impression by scoring points as a very young debutant.
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso committed to a multi-year deal with Aston Martin; some reports described it as a long-term or headline “lifetime” style arrangement, and he is expected to remain with the team into at least 2026. Lance Stroll extended his stay with Aston Martin as well, with the latest extension keeping him in place while his family retains control of the team.
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 moved from Haas to Audi on a multi-year contract that reportedly includes options which could keep him racing into his 40s if the partnership continues to work well. Gabriel Bortoleto is signed through at least 2026 after strong results in F3 and F2 and is part of Audi’s youth development 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 has been retained into 2026.
Cadillac
Valtteri Bottas signed a multi-year contract with Cadillac for their F1 entry that runs to at least the end of 2027. Sergio Pérez also signed a multi-year deal to join Cadillac for their launch into the sport, on broadly similar terms to Bottas.
Summary
Contract lengths across the grid vary from clearly specified year-end expiries (many confirmed through 2026) to unspecified multi-year deals that include options for either side. Notable long-term commitments include Max Verstappen through 2028 and Pierre Gasly through 2028. Several drivers are on multi-year signings that contain performance-linked clauses or exit provisions, so while many seats look settled, flexibility remains a common feature of modern F1 contracts.