F1 Driver Contracts: When Every Deal Expires
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- McLaren has Norris and Piastri secured through 2027 and 2028 respectively on multi-year extensions, with Norris's deal agreed just before the 2024 season; he's now the reigning world champion.
- Max Verstappen is under contract at Red Bull until end of 2028 via his March 2022 deal, but holds performance clauses that could allow an exit — clauses highlighted during 2024's dismissed Horner allegations.
- Lewis Hamilton confirmed at the 2026 Canadian GP that his Ferrari deal covers at least 2027 (his third year at Maranello), with Sky Sports F1 reporting he also holds a unilateral option for 2028.
- Charles Leclerc signed a new Ferrari contract in June 2026 taking him through at least end of 2028, mirroring his previous January 2024 agreement that didn't publicly disclose length.
- Cadillac newcomers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are signed through at least end of 2027 on multi-year deals after both spent 2025 outside F1, with Bottas's full contract also understood to extend to 2027.
- George Russell has a multi-year Mercedes contract running through at least end of 2027, though the team only officially announced him for 2026 at the time.
- Fernando Alonso, set to turn 45 this year, would be the first F1 driver to compete at that age since Graham Hill in 1975; his Aston Martin deal expires at end of 2026 with retirement questions looming.
Why it matters: With Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, and Leclerc all signed through 2028, the top of the grid is locked in for the new 2026 regulations era. The action sits in the midfield: ten-plus drivers including Alonso, Ocon, Bearman, Lawson, Albon, Sainz, Colapinto, Hulkenberg, and Bortoleto are all out of contract at end of 2026, setting up a major scramble for 2027 seats.
