F1 2027 Driver Line-Up: Only a Handful of Seats Already Locked In

As F1 teams finalise their 2026 line-ups, the picture for 2027 is far from complete. Only a select few drivers have contracts that extend beyond next season, making the driver market one of the most unpredictable in years.

Why it matters:

Early confirmation of long-term deals gives teams stability and allows them to plan around a core driver. For the fans and the paddock, knowing who is locked in – and who isn't – shapes the narrative for silly season and the competitive outlook for 2027 and beyond.

The details:

• McLaren has both seats secured: Lando Norris (multi-year extension beyond 2025, likely to cover 2027) and Oscar Piastri (contracted until 2028).
• Ferrari has Lewis Hamilton confirmed through at least the end of 2027. Charles Leclerc’s long-term extension is believed to run into 2029, but has not been officially listed for 2027.
• Red Bull has Max Verstappen locked in until the end of 2028 after his mammoth 2021 extension.
• Alpine has Pierre Gasly signed until 2028 following his 2025 extension. The seat alongside him remains TBC, though Franco Colapinto is on a long-term deal with an unspecified end date.
• All other teams – Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams, Audi, and Cadillac – have not yet confirmed any driver for 2027. Some have options or performance clauses (e.g., George Russell at Mercedes, Carlos Sainz at Williams, Oliver Bearman at Haas).

What's next:

The next wave of contract announcements will likely come during the 2026 season, once teams assess the new regulations and driver performances. With several top drivers approaching the end of their current deals, the market could see major shuffles. For now, only a handful of drivers can be certain of their 2027 seat. The rest is wide open.