What's Next for F1's Driver Market After Verstappen's Red Bull Deal

Max Verstappen's new Red Bull contract through 2030 has settled the biggest question in Formula 1's driver market, locking in the top teams for 2027. Yet key decisions remain at Red Bull's junior stable, Aston Martin, Alpine, and Haas as the grid returns from the summer break.

Why it matters:

With Verstappen committed and the elite teams settled, the remaining moves will define the midfield. These choices determine which young talents break into F1 and whether veterans extend their careers, shaping 2027's competitive balance.

The details:

• Red Bull's junior logjam: Verstappen's confirmation forces Red Bull to sort its remaining three seats. Isack Hadjar looks set to stay, but Racing Bulls faces a tougher call. Nikola Tsolov's F2 title charge demands promotion, and Arvid Lindblad's strong rookie season also warrants a spot. Yet with Liam Lawson delivering what's needed, Red Bull must choose between accelerating Tsolov or maintaining its current pairing.
• Alonso's waiting game: Fernando Alonso deferred his decision on continuing beyond 2026, seeking clarity from Lawrence Stroll and Adrian Newey. His future hinges on Aston Martin's 2027 potential; if Honda's upgrades and the B-spec chassis show promise after Zandvoort, an extension is likely. With Verstappen and Carlos Sainz committed elsewhere, there's no external pressure forcing his hand.
• Alpine set to stay put: With Mercedes' pairing locked in, Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore is expected to retain Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. After a rocky 2025, Colapinto has found his footing, with Briatore noting his 100% improvement. Unless his form dips, the Argentine should keep his seat.
• Haas weighs alternatives: Esteban Ocon holds a 2026 option, but Haas is exploring options to pair with Ollie Bearman. F2 leader Leonardo Fornaroli has already tested the car, while Ferrari's Rafael Camara is scheduled for a run. Toyota's Ryo Hirakawa and reserve Jack Doohan remain under consideration.

What's next:

The dominoes will fall once Alonso signals his intent and Red Bull finalizes its junior lineup. For Haas and Alpine, the coming races are final auditions. If Aston Martin's post-summer upgrades deliver, expect Alonso's extension to follow, closing the book on this silly season.