By Ciara Casey
As the 2026 season begins it’s important to know what the future holds for each driver.
All 22 drivers have a contract that determines how many seasons they will be driving at a team for, what’s important to know is when those contacts end.
Lando Norris: his contract is a ‘multi-year’ deal signed in 2024. It is expected to run till the end of the 2026 season. However, this doesn’t mean he will be leaving McLaren and is likely to stay for 2027
Oscar Piasri: similar to Norris, McLaren have also signed Piastri on a ‘multi-year’ contract. He signed the contract in 2023 until the end of 2027.
George Russell: he signed a year extension to his contract late in the 2025 season guaranteeing him till the end of 2026, however Russel himself has stated that if he meets performance-based targets by the end of this year he will generate an immediate extension for 2027.
Max Verstappen: after winning the Drivers World Championship in 2021, Red Bull and max came to an agreement and he signed a 7-year contract with the team, securing a place on the grid till 2028. However, it does include a performance clause, meaning if he doesn’t perform, he could possibly be dropped from the team.
Isack Hadjar: after being promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull, there has been no confirmation regarding his contract. It is speculated that his RB contact has been carried over, if this is correct his contact only lasts till the end of 2026.
Lewis Hamilton: Lewis signed a ‘multi-year’ deal when he signed with the Italian team. His contract hasn’t specified an end date, but it is presumably till the end of the 2026 season. However, Hamilton has hinted at his contract is a “pretty long contract” meaning Hamilton on the grid in red for 2027 isn’t unlikely.
Charles Leclerc: when Charles signed his contract extension in 2024 the length wasn’t specified however it was said to last “several seasons to come” meaning he most likely signed another long contract with the team.
Carlos Sainz: the Spaniard signed a contract with the team in 2023 to take their second seat for 2024 after he had parted ways with Ferrari. His contract was originally a 2-year deal but after exceptional performance from him, the team have hinted they want to extended the contract till the end of 2026 depending on performance this year.
Alex Albon: in 2022 when Albon signed his contract extension for 2023 and onwards, there was no specified end date for his contract. Yet some have speculated the would be till the end of 2026.
Liam Lawson: after being demoted to Racing Bulls from Red Bull he signed a year extension contract, after good performance at RB.
Arvid Lindblad: at the end of the 2025 season Racing Bulls confirmed to drive for the 2026 season, similar to other contracts RB offer, Lindblad’s contract is also a year long.
Lance Stroll: lance stroll’s contract extension that he and the team agreed is a contract for “2025 and beyond”. His contract has no specific end date.
Fernando Alonso: Alonso is signed to Aston Martin until the end of 2026, it’s unclear if there are talks of a contract extension or if Alonso will be leaving the sport at the end of the season.
Esteban Ocon: after signing a ‘multi-year’ contract with Haas, Ocon’s contract is expected to last till the end of the 2026 season, its unknown if the contract runs into 2027 as of now.
Ollie Bearman: after an impressing formula 2 campaign Haas signed Ollie on a ‘multi-year’ contract covering till the end of the 2026 season. However, an extension seems a likely option for him and Haas for 2027.
Nico Hulkenberg: after signing a ‘multi-year’ contract in 2024 to start with Stake F1 team in the 2025 season, and this contract being carried over to Audi. Its presumed Hulkenberg’s contract is till the end of the 2026 season.
Gabriel Bortoleto: like his teammate Bortoleto is on a ‘multi-year’ contract, meaning he is also going to be transitioned across to Audi f1 on a contract that lasts till at least the end of 2026.
Pierre Gasly: in 2025 Gasly signed a contract extension with the team to secure him a seat till at least the end of 2028.
Franco Colapinto: after taking over mid-season in 2025, on a 5 race stint, the team were impressed with his driving and kept him for the rest of the season and have extended his contract till the end of the 2026 season.
Valtteri Bottas: after signing a contract to be a Cadillac driver for the 2026 season, its not confirmed if this contract surpasses the 2026 season.
Sergio Perez: similar to his teammate, its unclear if the Mexican’s contract with Cadillac will continue past the 2026 season, however the option for an extension is still possible for Perez.
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