The situation of every driver’s contract

The 2025 F1 season has not even begun however quickly there shall be loads of driver market chatter in regards to the 2026 grid.

Here’s a rundown of the contract state of affairs of each F1 driver and staff thus far, together with an eleventh entry. 

McLaren

McLaren have already got their driver line-up for subsequent 12 months locked in place, with each Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri tied right down to offers which embrace the 2026 marketing campaign.

Ferrari

Like McLaren, Ferrari even have each their drivers sorted for 2026.

Initially of 2024, Charles Leclerc signed a brand new long-term deal stated to be for an extra 5 years, working till the tip of the 2029 marketing campaign.

In the meantime, new celebrity signing Lewis Hamilton joined on a deal understood to cowl no less than the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.

Purple Bull

4-time world champion Max Verstappen signed a long-term contract again in March 2022 to remain at Purple Bull till the tip of 2028.

The Dutchman’s future is prone to stay a scorching subject although as Mercedes proceed to smell round and try to poach him from their rivals.

The identification of Verstappen’s 2026 teammate is anybody’s guess. Liam Lawson is on an preliminary one-year deal however it stays to be seen if he shall be a passable alternative for Sergio Perez.

Mercedes

Mercedes are the primary staff and not using a driver beneath contract for 2026.

George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli are technically each out of contract on the finish of the 12 months.

One would think about each shall be retained barring a seemingly disastrous 12 months, with Antonelli thought to be Mercedes’ reply to Verstappen.

However Mercedes could maintain their choices open whileever there’s a risk of luring Verstappen himself.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin’s line-up is about to be unchanged for 2026. 

Fernando Alonso is contracted till the tip of the 2026 season, whereas Lance Stroll successfully has the opposite seat for so long as he needs to proceed racing because of his father’s possession of the staff.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly could have one of many Alpine seats for 2026 after agreeing to a brand new multi-year contract extension final time period.

Jack Doohan is already beneath strain to retain his 2025 seat earlier than the marketing campaign has began, with newly-signed reserve driver Franco Colapinto ready within the wings.

Who will accomplice Gasly on the French squad in 2026 is unsure at this stage.

Haas

Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will type Haas’ new-look line-up for 2025 they usually each have offers overlaying 2026.

Racing Bulls

Purple Bull’s sister outfit Racing Bulls haven’t any drivers signed up for 2026.

Purple Bull have already admitted Yuki Tsunoda could possibly be launched on the finish of his present deal following his snub by the senior staff, whereas Isack Hadjar is about to contest his debut F1 season.

Williams

Carlos Sainz agreed to affix Williams on a multi-year deal and can proceed alongside Alex Albon in 2026, until a rumoured get-out clause is activated beforehand.

Audi

Sauber will turn out to be the Audi works F1 staff in 2026, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortotelo set to remain put.

Hulkenberg dedicated to a three-year deal when he signed from Haas in 2024, whereas Sauber’s Bortoleto announcement referred to the reigning Components 2 champion as a “future Audi driver”, suggesting his deal covers greater than a single season.

Cadillac

The third and closing staff to haven’t any confirmed drivers for 2026 is Cadillac.

The American outfit is about to turn out to be F1’s eleventh staff subsequent 12 months, opening up two additional spots on the grid.

Cadillac could have loads of curiosity suitors knocking on the door, with Valtteri Bottas already admitting he can be eager to affix the venture after shedding his full-time F1 drive.