F1 2025 Grid: Driver Contract Status Revealed

The F1 2025 season is shaping up with a dynamic driver market, as many contracts are already in place, but the possibility of significant movements remains a hot topic. A comprehensive overview reveals the current contractual status of each driver, offering insights into team strategies and potential future shifts.

Why it matters:

• Driver contracts are a perennial focal point in F1, directly influencing team stability, long-term planning, and the overall competitive landscape.
• Understanding these agreements provides crucial context for speculation about future driver lineups, potential team changes, and the impact of upcoming regulatory shifts in 2026.
• With several key drivers on multi-year deals, the market for 2025 and beyond will focus on a select few open seats, intensifying competition for rising talents.

The Details:

• McLaren: Lando Norris has an 'extended multi-year' deal through at least 2027, and Oscar Piastri's 'multi-year extension' secures him until at least the end of 2028.
• Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton's move secures him until at least 2026, while Charles Leclerc's new 'multi-year' deal extends well beyond his previous 2024 expiry, likely making him a long-term fixture.
• Red Bull: Max Verstappen is locked in until 2028, reportedly as the grid's highest-paid driver. Yuki Tsunoda's initial one-year deal for 2025 saw him unexpectedly promoted to Red Bull's senior team, replacing Liam Lawson.
• Mercedes: Andrea Kimi Antonelli joins until 2026, a highly-rated internal promotion. George Russell's multi-year extension takes him to at least 2026, with a performance clause for 2027.
• Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso secured a deal until 2026, banking on the team's 2026 regulatory transition. Lance Stroll has a contract for '2025 and beyond,' with no specified end date.
• Alpine: Franco Colapinto, promoted mid-season in 2025, is expected to stay until at least the end of the season. Pierre Gasly has a long-term commitment until 2028.
• Haas: Oliver Bearman signed a '2+1' deal, extending until 2026 with an option for 2027. Esteban Ocon joins Haas on a multi-year deal, securing his place until at least 2026.
• Racing Bulls: Isack Hadjar's contract runs through 2025 following his promotion. Liam Lawson, initially promoted to Red Bull for 2025, was demoted back to Racing Bulls after a challenging start.
• Williams: Alex Albon's long-term deal extends until 2026. Carlos Sainz joined on a multi-year deal with options, potentially lasting until 2028.
• Sauber: Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto secured a multi-year deal until at least 2026. Nico Hulkenberg provides experienced stability, signed until at least 2026.

The Big Picture:

The 2025 grid showcases a mix of long-term commitments and strategic one-year deals. While top teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren have secured their star drivers for several years, other teams are making calculated moves for the crucial 2026 regulation changes. The unexpected mid-season promotions and demotions highlight the inherent volatility of driver careers and the relentless pressure to perform.

What's next:

With many key contracts extending to 2026 and beyond, the next major wave of driver market activity is likely to revolve around the new technical regulations. Teams will be closely monitoring driver performance and adaptability to the new car designs, while young talents like Isack Hadjar will be under pressure to secure longer-term futures. Expect continued speculation as teams strategize for long-term stability and competitive advantage.