When F1 driver contracts expire: full grid contract map explained. A complete breakdown of Formula 1 driver contracts across all 22 seats on the 2026 grid.

The Formula 1 grid is always shaped by a delicate balance between performance and contract stability. Understanding when driver agreements expire offers a clearer view of market dynamics and the possible future trajectories of teams and drivers. Below is a complete, structured team-by-team breakdown of the current F1 driver contracts.

F1 driver contracts: full breakdown by team

McLaren: long-term continuity built around Norris and Piastri

McLaren has developed one of the strongest and most forward-looking driver line-ups on the grid. Lando Norris, now a long-serving figure within the team with eight seasons under his belt, is tied to a multi-year contract running at least until 2026, with a realistic possibility of extension thanks to internal clauses. The mutual intention is to continue together for the long term.

Alongside him, Oscar Piastri represents the team’s investment in the future. The Australian is contracted at least until 2027 under a multi-year agreement that likely includes performance-based clauses and exit options. McLaren’s approach is clearly focused on stability and internal development.

Mercedes: Russell as leader, Antonelli confirmed

At Mercedes, George Russell has firmly established himself as the team’s leader. The British driver is under contract at least until 2026 in a multi-year deal that, as is often the case in Formula 1, includes performance metrics and flexibility clauses. His recent statements suggest a stable continuation without short-term uncertainty.

Alongside him, Kimi Antonelli is set to continue. The young Italian, who has experienced a rookie season marked by ups and downs, has nevertheless shown strong progress in the current campaign and remains a key part of Mercedes’ long-term project, despite ongoing external market speculation.

Red Bull: Verstappen secured, Hadjar rising

Max Verstappen is officially under contract with Red Bull until 2028, making it one of the longest deals on the grid. However, performance-related clauses could influence the actual duration of the agreement, leaving open potential alternative scenarios in the event of a competitive downturn.

Isack Hadjar, promoted to the main team after his time at Racing Bulls, holds a contract valid until 2026. For the French driver, this is a crucial phase: establishing himself at Red Bull would help him avoid the fate of other young talents who quickly moved from the academy system to demotion or reduced roles.

Ferrari: Leclerc and Hamilton balancing present and future

Ferrari has built its structure around two high-profile drivers. Charles Leclerc is tied to a multi-year agreement signed at the start of 2024, without a publicly defined expiry date but with clauses ensuring flexibility for both parties.

Lewis Hamilton, who joined from Mercedes in 2025, has also signed a multi-year contract. Current indications suggest a duration running until 2027, placing him in a key window in which Ferrari aims to maximise the value of the seven-time world champion’s experience.

Williams: Albon the reference, Sainz the new cornerstone

Williams has continued its project by retaining Alex Albon on a multi-year deal that is expected to run until 2026 or 2027, depending on performance-related clauses.

The arrival of Carlos Sainz, released by Ferrari at the end of 2024, represents a major strategic move. The Spaniard is under contract at least until 2026, bringing experience and development capability to a team in a growth phase.

Racing Bulls: Lawson and Lindblad under evaluation

Liam Lawson has regained both seat time and credibility within the Red Bull ecosystem. His contract with Racing Bulls runs through 2026, following a challenging period marked by promotions and demotions across the organisation.

Alongside him, Arvid Lindblad is one of the most promising prospects. His contract horizon also extends to 2026, and his debut performances have already shown encouraging signs in terms of pace and maturity.

Aston Martin: experience and stability

Fernando Alonso continues to serve as the technical reference for Aston Martin. His multi-year contract, signed in 2024, ties him to the team until at least 2026, confirming the team’s intention to continue with him despite his advanced age.

Lance Stroll, backed by the team’s ownership structure, also holds a contract valid until 2026. His position remains structurally secure within the organisation.

Haas: open horizon project

Esteban Ocon signed a multi-year deal with Haas following the reshaping of the previous driver line-up. While the exact duration has not been publicly disclosed, the project is clearly medium-term in nature.

Ollie Bearman, after his standout F1 debut substitute appearance for Ferrari in 2024 replacing Sainz, has been confirmed on a multi-year contract. The young British driver represents both a technical and sporting investment for the team’s future.

Audi (Sauber): Hulkenberg leads, Bortoleto the prospect

Nico Hulkenberg is one of the key figures in the Audi project. His multi-year agreement could see him remain competitive well into his forties, underlining the team’s strong trust in his contribution.

Gabriel Bortoleto, an emerging champion, is contracted at least until 2026. His presence reflects a strategy that blends experience with long-term driver development.

Alpine: long-term Gasly, confirmed Colapinto

Pierre Gasly holds one of the longest contracts on the grid, running until 2028. Alpine has chosen to build its technical project around him as a long-term cornerstone.

Franco Colapinto is confirmed for the current season. Despite inconsistent performances, the team has opted to maintain continuity with the Argentine driver.

Cadillac: experience for the debut season

Newcomer Cadillac has focused on experienced drivers for its entry into Formula 1. Valtteri Bottas has signed a multi-year contract expected to run until at least 2027, providing a solid foundation for the team’s early development.

Sergio Perez completes the line-up with another multi-year agreement. After leaving Red Bull and taking a sabbatical year, the Mexican returns to the grid as a central figure in an entirely new project.

Overall contract landscape in Formula 1

Overall, a clear trend emerges across the grid. Top teams are prioritising long-term but flexible contracts to ensure stability, while emerging projects balance investments in young talent with experienced drivers.

Contract clauses, often undisclosed, remain the key factor in interpreting the true duration of agreements and, consequently, predicting future movements in the F1 driver market.

F1 driver contract table overview