Formula 1’s driver market is already taking shape for the seasons ahead, with several of the sport’s biggest names secured on long-term deals while others could become central figures in the next wave of contract negotiations.
With the 2027 season approaching, here’s a look at how long the current F1 drivers are expected to remain with their teams.
Max Verstappen – Red Bull Until 2030
Max Verstappen’s future was one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 season, but that uncertainty has now been put to rest.
The four-time World Champion signed a new contract with Red Bull that will keep him at the team until the end of 2030. The extension replaces his previous agreement, which was due to expire after 2028.
Verstappen’s decision is significant for Red Bull as the team looks to return to championship-winning form under Formula 1’s new regulations.
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari remains one of the biggest driver transfers in recent F1 history.
The seven-time World Champion signed a multi-year agreement when he joined Ferrari for the 2025 season. While the exact contractual details have not been publicly confirmed, the deal has widely been reported as running through 2027.
Hamilton is therefore expected to remain alongside Charles Leclerc as Ferrari continues its push for championship success.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari Beyond 2028
Ferrari has also secured its other star driver for the long term.
Leclerc signed a new multi-year agreement in 2026 that is understood to keep him at Ferrari beyond the end of 2028. The Monegasque driver has been with the Scuderia since 2019 and remains committed to helping the team return to the top of Formula 1.
That gives Ferrari considerable stability at the front of its driver line-up.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – McLaren
McLaren also has one of the most secure pairings on the grid.
Lando Norris has a multi-year agreement that runs until at least the end of 2026, although his contract is understood to contain provisions that could extend beyond that point.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, is contracted to McLaren until at least the end of 2027.
The two drivers have already delivered major success for McLaren, making their continued partnership one of the most important parts of the team’s plans.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
Mercedes has chosen stability with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Russell’s current agreement guarantees his place for at least the 2026 season, with the British driver describing his deal as multi-year. Antonelli has also remained with Mercedes for 2026 after an impressive rookie campaign.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also made clear that the team is happy with its current pairing.
Williams: Albon and Sainz
Williams has also strengthened its driver line-up for the seasons ahead.
Alexander Albon recently agreed a new deal that keeps him at Williams until the end of 2027.
Carlos Sainz, who joined Williams for the 2025 season after leaving Ferrari, has also agreed a new multi-year contract. His deal is understood to run until the end of 2028, although it reportedly contains clauses that could allow an earlier departure.
What About the Rest of the Grid?
Several other drivers also have agreements extending beyond the current season, although the exact details of some contracts have not been publicly disclosed.
As always in Formula 1, contract dates do not necessarily tell the whole story. Performance clauses, options and other provisions can allow teams or drivers to make changes before a deal officially expires.
That means the F1 driver market can still change quickly, particularly as teams begin planning for 2027 and beyond.
F1’s Driver Market Is Taking Shape
The biggest piece of the puzzle has already fallen into place with Verstappen’s decision to remain at Red Bull until 2030.
Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes also have strong foundations for the coming seasons, while Williams has secured both Albon and Sainz on longer-term agreements.
With several seats already locked down, attention will now turn to the drivers whose contracts are approaching their expiry dates — and whether the next major move in the F1 driver market is already waiting to happen.