F1 Driver Contracts Loom Large Ahead of 2026 Shakeup

With the 2026 season and its new regulations on the horizon, the Formula 1 driver market is beginning to take shape. While top-tier talents like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have long-term security, a significant number of drivers are entering the final year of their contracts, setting the stage for a potential 'silly season' where on-track performance will dictate their futures.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent a massive technical reset, making driver stability and experience paramount for teams. For established stars, their security allows them to focus solely on extracting performance from the new cars. For those with expiring contracts, every race in 2025 becomes a high-stakes audition, directly impacting team strategies and potentially reshaping the balance of power on the grid for years to come.

The details:

• The Secure Elite: Max Verstappen (Red Bull, 2028) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, multi-year) are locked in for the long haul. McLaren's pairing of Lando Norris (multi-year) and Oscar Piastri (2028) also appears settled for the new era.
• Mercedes' Complex Picture: Lewis Hamilton's contract is rumored to run through 2027 with an option for 2028, longer than initially believed. Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are signed for 2026, but their deals reportedly include performance-based options for 2027, putting them under pressure to deliver.
• The 2026 Hot Seat: A long list of drivers, including Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, and Liam Lawson, are all out of contract at the end of 2026. They will be fighting to prove their worth.
• Rookies on Trial: Red Bull's Isack Hadjar and new arrival Arvid Lindblad are on one-year deals and must earn their place alongside Verstappen.
• Cadillac's Stability: The new American team has secured experienced hands, with Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas both on multi-year contracts.

What's next:

The 2025 season will serve as a critical proving ground for nearly half the grid. All eyes will be on the drivers with contracts expiring in 2026 to see if they can secure their seats. Their performances, combined with the outcomes of the 2026 car development race, will ultimately dictate the final driver lineup for the next era of Formula 1.