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This summary outlines the contract status of all Formula 1 drivers and teams ahead of the 2026 season, with Cadillac joining as the 11th team on the grid. It also captures the latest rumors about driver movements and team lineups for the upcoming season.
McLaren
McLaren has confirmed its driver lineup for next year, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri signed up through the 2026 season. Either driver could enter 2026 as the reigning F1 champion.
Ferrari
Ferrari similarly has both drivers locked in for 2026. Charles Leclerc secured a long-term contract at the start of 2024, extending through 2029. Lewis Hamilton is also contracted to stay at Ferrari through at least 2025 and 2026.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, signed a long-term deal in March 2022 to remain with Red Bull until 2028. Nevertheless, speculation about his future persists, with Mercedes reportedly interested should Verstappen seek to leave. Verstappen and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff have held talks after the 2025 British Grand Prix. Red Bull’s second seat is unsettled, as Liam Lawson lasted only two races in 2025 and Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles continue, sparking debate about next year’s lineup.
Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell’s futures hinge somewhat on Mercedes’ potential interest in Verstappen. Russell’s contract ends in 2025, but delayed negotiations fuel rumors of a Verstappen takeover. Russell insists he’s unlikely to depart in 2026, although no new contract is in place yet. Rookie Antonelli is seen as a promising talent comparable to a young Verstappen.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin’s roster is expected to stay the same for 2026. Fernando Alonso is contracted through 2026, while Lance Stroll can remain as long as he chooses, due to his family’s ownership stakes. There have been fanciful rumors about Aston Martin targeting Verstappen, with hopes high following Adrian Newey’s arrival.
Takayama (Alpine)
Pierre Gasly holds one of Alpine’s 2026 seats after a contract extension. The second seat remains uncertain. Rookie Jack Doohan was dropped after six races and replaced by Franco Colapinto, who impressed in testing. Valtteri Bottas is also a potential contender for 2026.
Haas
Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman are confirmed for 2026, both on multi-year deals.
Racing Bulls (Red Bull’s sister team)
Racing Bulls have no drivers signed for 2026 yet, dependent on Red Bull’s decisions. Former team boss Laurent Mekies took over from Christian Horner. Rookie Isack Hadjar impressed in his debut season, which also saw Yuki Tsunoda promoted to Red Bull with Liam Lawson moving back to Racing Bulls.
Williams
Carlos Sainz signed a multi-year contract with Williams and will continue alongside Alex Albon in 2026.
Audi (Sauber)
Sauber will become Audi’s factory F1 team in 2026, fielding Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Hulkenberg’s deal runs until 2027, while Bortoleto, the reigning Formula 2 champion, is labeled a "Future Audi Driver," suggesting a longer-term commitment.
Cadillac
Cadillac, the new American entrant, will join as the 11th team in 2026 with no drivers confirmed yet. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are among the frontrunners for seats. Originally aiming for an American driver, Cadillac now seems open to mixing experienced racers with newcomers.
2026 F1 Driver Lineup (Contract Status Summary)
- McLaren: Lando Norris (Long-term), Oscar Piastri (2026)
- Ferrari: Lewis Hamilton (Multi-year), Charles Leclerc (Multi-year)
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen (2028), Yuki Tsunoda (2025)
- Mercedes: George Russell (2025), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (2025)
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso (2026), Lance Stroll (After 2025)
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly (Long-term), Franco Colapinto (2025)
- Haas: Esteban Ocon (Multi-year), Oliver Bearman (Multi-year)
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson (2025), Isack Hadjar (2025)
- Williams: Carlos Sainz (After 2026), Alex Albon (2025)
- Audi: Nico Hulkenberg (Multi-year), Gabriel Bortoleto (Multi-year)
- Cadillac: To Be Announced (TBA), TBA (TBA)
Fan Take:
This driver market snapshot sets the stage for thrilling dynamics in 2026, especially with the introduction of Cadillac as a new team, potentially shaking up the grid. The ongoing speculation around Verstappen and emerging talents like Antonelli and Bortoleto adds an exciting layer of uncertainty, making it a pivotal moment for racing fans worldwide.
