F1 contracts: How long is each driver signed up for? — SkimNews
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- Max Verstappen signed a new Red Bull contract in August 2026 keeping him at the team until the end of 2030, citing the potential return of V8 engines, confidence in Red Bull, and racing in other motorsport categories as reasons for the extension
- Lewis Hamilton is confirmed at Ferrari for at least 2027 — his third year with the team — and Sky Sports F1 understands the seven-time champion holds a unilateral option for 2028 as well
- McLaren have locked in their championship-winning lineup long-term: reigning world champion Lando Norris until end of 2027 after a pre-2024 extension, and Oscar Piastri until end of 2028 on a deal signed ahead of 2025
- Cadillac newcomers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas — both returning to F1 in 2026 after a year on the sidelines — have agreed multi-year deals understood to run until at least the end of 2027
- Williams handed Carlos Sainz a multi-year extension to at least 2028 — a surprise given his public doubts about the team — while Alex Albon received only a one-year deal through end of 2027 amid concerns over the squad's lack of progress
- Nine drivers — Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, and Gabriel Bortoleto — are only contracted through 2026, leaving the 2027 driver market wide open
- Fernando Alonso, 44, is the oldest driver on the grid and would become the first F1 racer to compete at age 45 since Graham Hill in 1975 if he races the full 2026 season
Why it matters: Verstappen's 2030 commitment makes him the longest-signed driver on the grid by two full seasons, anchoring Red Bull's future while nine seats remain up for grabs after 2026. With Cadillac filling its roster through 2027 and Mercedes locking in Russell and Antonelli on multi-year terms, the open 2027 market is likely to trigger a significant silly season — particularly at Racing Bulls, Haas, and Audi, where unproven or aging talent could be replaced.
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