The 2026 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be a pivotal year, not just for on-track battles but for the very fabric of the driver market. A remarkable 14 drivers are set to see their current contracts expire at the end of that campaign, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable and dramatic 'silly seasons' in recent memory.
The Mercedes Dilemma: Russell and Antonelli Under Pressure
All eyes will be on the Mercedes garage, where both George Russell and the highly-touted Kimi Antonelli enter the final year of their agreements. While Russell's deal is understood to contain performance-related clauses that could trigger an extension for 2027, both drivers will be under intense scrutiny. They must prove their worth to secure a long-term future with the Silver Arrows as the team navigates the new technical era.
Red Bull's Shuffle and Aston Martin's Stability
At Red Bull, the picture is mixed. New signing Isack Hadjar is confirmed for 2026 but has no guaranteed seat beyond his debut season. He will partner the sport's anchor, Max Verstappen, who remains uniquely secure with a long-term commitment running until 2028. Over at Aston Martin, veterans Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are technically out of contract after 2026. However, both are anticipated to stay with the team as it embarks on its new works partnership with Honda, suggesting stability amidst the wider chaos.
Williams, Racing Bulls and the Battle for Survival
The Grove-based Williams team will host a critical evaluation for Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Their multi-year deals reach a key decision point in 2026, with Sainz holding options to extend. Their performances will be dissected as the team plans its future. Similarly, at Racing Bulls, the Red Bull junior outfit, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad have only single-year contracts for 2026. Their head-to-head duel in the first year of the new engine regulations will likely decide their fate within the Red Bull system.
The pressure extends across the grid. Franco Colapinto at Alpine has a one-year extension but must dramatically improve to earn a long-term spot next to Pierre Gasly. Meanwhile, the final guaranteed years for Haas's Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, plus Audi's Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, promise fierce competition. Bearman and Bortoleto, coming off strong rookie campaigns, will be particularly sought-after if they perform well.
In essence, the 2026 championship will be a 22-race audition for nearly half the grid. With seats at top teams potentially up for grabs and a new generation of talent knocking on the door, the driver market moves that follow could redefine team line-ups for years to come.
