The 2027 Formula 1 season is shaping up faster than a qualifying lap. Across the paddock, a mixture of multi-year deals and short-term extensions have already been announced, while a handful of seats still lack a name. Understanding which drivers are locked in, which teams have flexibility and where the next surprise could emerge is essential for anyone following the sport.
Confirmed contracts for the 2027 season
McLaren has secured its duo for the foreseeable future. Lando Norris signed an agreement that runs to the end of 2030, cementing a twelve-year partnership. Beside him, Oscar Piastri enjoys a “multi-year” contract that covers at least 2027, with optional extensions that could keep him in papaya beyond that.
At Mercedes, George Russell will remain at least until the close of 2026, and his statements confirm a continuation into 2027. Kimi Antonelli also stays, giving the team a stable line-up for another year. Both drivers are under contracts that contain performance-based clauses, yet both parties expect the metrics to be met.
Red Bull has locked in its champion, Max Verstappen, through 2030, extending the deal that previously ran to 2028. The team also confirmed a multi-year extension for French talent Isack Hadjar, who will race with the team in 2027 after a promising rookie campaign at Racing Bulls.
Ferrari keeps its two stars. Charles Leclerc agreed to a contract that stretches beyond 2028, potentially into his thirties. Lewis Hamilton moved to the Scuderia on a three-year deal that also expires at the end of 2027, mirroring his previous term with Mercedes.
Williams confirmed a two-year extension for Alex Albon through 2027, and a further multi-year agreement for Carlos Sainz that runs to the end of 2028, with exit clauses that could be triggered earlier.
Aston Martin retains veteran Fernando Alonso for 2026 and beyond on a multi-year pact, while Lance Stroll stays under a contract confirmed in 2024. Audi (formerly Sauber) has locked in Nico Hulkenberg on a multi-year deal that could keep the German racing into his forties, and promoted Gabriel Bortoleto through 2026.
Alpine secured Pierre Gasly until the end of 2028 and granted Franco Colapinto a seat through 2027 after a solid 2026 performance. Cadillac signed a fresh multi-year deal with seasoned winner Valtteri Bottas that covers at least 2027, and renewed Sergio Perez on identical terms.
The American outfit Racing Bulls confirmed the retention of both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad for the 2026 campaign, which directly influences the 2027 roster, as both drivers are expected to continue with the team.
Remaining uncertainties and potential driver moves
Not every seat is sealed. Haas has offered a contract to its 21-year-old British driver Ollie Bearman, who currently sits 13th in the drivers’ standings with 23 points. The agreement is still being fine-tuned between Bearman’s management, team principal Ayao Komatsu and Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur. While all parties appear inclined to continue, the exact terms will dictate whether Bearman can eventually graduate to a top-tier seat.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Cadillac faces a decision between retaining 37-year-old Valtteri Bottas for a second season or promoting American reserve Colton Herta to his debut. Herta earned his final Super Licence point in Brazil, and his performance in FP1 sessions has impressed the team. Should the American be promoted, Bottas could become a free agent, opening a high-profile vacancy.
Esteban Ocon will depart Haas at the close of 2026 after a two-year stint. The Frenchman, a former Grand Prix winner with 490 points, may take a reserve role elsewhere, but no concrete offer has been announced. Rafael Camara is slated to join Haas in 2027 on a multi-year contract, filling the spot vacated by Ocon.
Finally, while Ollie Bearman is expected to stay at Haas, the team’s ambition to achieve its first podium this season means they will keep a close eye on any clause that allows a mid-contract move should a factory seat become available. The delicate balance between personal progression and team objectives will shape the final grid configuration.
As the calendar rolls toward the final races of 2026, the combination of locked-in deals and lingering uncertainties guarantees that the 2027 Formula 1 grid will be one of the most closely watched line-ups in recent memory.
