When do F1 drivers’ contracts expire, scenarios for each team for 2025

Max Verstappen is the only driver with a confirmed long-term contract – until the end of 2028 – with his team Red Bull Racing, but information from Italy now conveys with relative certainty that Charles Leclerc has also signed the contract – or will soon sign his extension to Ferrari until the end of 2029.

With the exception of Oscar Piastri, who has a contract with McLaren until the end of 2026, all other drivers are up for grabs for the next two years as their contracts expire at either the end of 2024 or ’25.

The extensive changes to the technical regulations from 2026 will also play an important role in the teams’ decisions. brand new cars from 2026.

The driver who will open the 2024-25 transfer show is Carlos Sainz, while Lando Norris and Alex Albon also play central roles. We also don’t know whether Lewis Hamilton wants to stay in Formula 1 now – at the age of 40 – for the new regulatory framework of 2026. Let’s look at each team individually:

Red Bull Racing

Verstappen has signed his contract since May 22, which expires at the end of 2028, leaving open the possibility of a departure after that. Conversely, Sergio Perez’s contract expires at the end of 2024 and a long list of drivers are already aiming for his place in 2025. Daniel Ricciardo is the most likely choice, but he will need to have a very good season in 2024 to win the position. Other reports suggest RBR could look to sign Lando Norris from McLaren a year before his contract with the English team expires.

Ferrari

Scuderia have reportedly secured Charles Leclerc until the end of the decade, but the situation is not so clear with Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard wants a contract lasting at least two years, while Ferrari is reportedly offering him a one-year deal with his own option until 2026. Should there be no agreement, the latest information from the Italian press mentions the name Lando Norris, while Alex Albon has also been heard. However, the possibility of selecting the young Oliver Berman, who is highly regarded at Maranello, cannot be ruled out and perhaps Ferrari will give him a year’s experience at Haas.

Mercedes

The Brackley team recently announced the extension of the contracts of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell until the end of 2025. It’s almost certain that Russell is the team’s long-term investment, but it’s also completely unknown whether Hamilton wants to move on after he turns 40, in 2026. Maybe he will if he hasn’t won a record eighth championship by then. Leclerc, who has been rumored to have a place at Mercedes, appears to be staying at Ferrari, so a top driver surprise for 2026 isn’t out of the question here.

McLaren

McLaren has the luxury of having two of the top drivers of the new generation in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Australian has a contract until the end of 2026, but the Woking team will do everything they can to keep Norris away from the sirens of Red Bull and Ferrari beyond 2025. Norris himself has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay at McLaren. But in the event of his departure, the possible return of Carlos Sainz is being considered – for 2025 or ’26.

Aston Martin

The Silverstone team appears ready to extend its contract with Fernando Alonso beyond 2024 if the Spaniard – who turns 43 next summer – so wishes. Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, has a permanent contract, but the foreign press is already saying he may be replaced if ’24 doesn’t match Alonso’s performance. Saint’s name has also been mentioned here so that Aston can form an all-Spanish duo alongside Alonso and have an experienced and fast team leader for the transition to the Honda era in 2026 – should Alonso depart by then. Another scenario is emerging that Yuki Tsunoda will also drive to Silverstone with Honda in 2026.

alpine

Alpine’s all-French lineup could change in 2025 after Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly’s contracts expire. Much will depend on the management changes and subsequent decisions, as Enstun’s squad needs to rebuild and show signs of improvement to attract big name interest. Like Saint, who was also heard here in reports about Alpine’s interest in recruiting the Spaniard to lead its team.

Williams

Williams’ main goal is to convince Alex Albon, after his impressive year this year, to stay at the Grove and not be seduced by the possible “sirens” of Ferrari and many other teams that highly value the Anglo-Thai . Williams must provide him with the leadership and momentum that began this year with new manager James Vowles and new investment from team owner Dorilton Capital. But is that enough to convince him? A lot will depend on the speed of the 2024 car. Logan Sargeant will also have to match Albon’s performance in 2024 to keep his place at number 25.

clean

Both Bottas and Chow have a contract until the end of 2024, but for the next few years the Swiss team – and of course Audi, which is gradually taking control – is reportedly considering a long list of drivers. For some, like Carlos Sainz, who also stars here, this seems like a high-risk move as no one can predict how factory Audi will perform in 2026. In addition to the Spaniard, Sauber/Audi and Esteban Ocon are also said to have been Bottas is a safe choice for the stability that the transition to the new regulations needs in 2026.

Alpha Tauri

Red Bull’s second team, to be renamed Racing Bulls in 2024, has retained Ricciardo and Tsunoda for 2024, but everything is unclear for the next few years. It could give Liam Lawson the chance of a full season in Formula 1, or which new driver Red Bull wants to develop for the future. At the end of 2025, when the collaboration with Honda ends, this Faenza team with Yuki Tsunoda may also end.

Haas

The American team has made the switch from “rookies” to experienced riders over the past two years to limit the cost of damage from inexperienced riders and to earn points. However, Ferrari could place Oliver Berman at Haas in 2025, with whom the company is working closely to give him the experience to follow in Charles Leclerc’s footsteps.

When does each F1 driver’s contract expire?

• Red Bull: Max Verstappen – 2028
  
• Red Bull: Sergio Perez – 2024
• Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton – 2025
• Mercedes: George Russell – 2025
• Ferrari: Charles Leclerc – 2024
• Ferrari: KArlos Saint – 2024
• McLaren: Lando Norris – 2025
• McLaren: Oscar Piastri – 2026
• Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso – 2024
• Aston Martin: LMr. Stroll – [Απροσδιόριστο]
• Alpine: Esteban Ocon – 2024
• Alpine: piMr. Gasly – 2024
• Williams: Alex Albon – 2024
• Williams: LOgan Sargeant – 2024
• Clean: Valtteri Botas – 2024
• Clean: CQuan Chow – 2024
• Alpha Tauri: Daniel Ricciardo – 2024
• Alpha Tauri: CYuki Tsunoda – 2024
• Haas: Kevin Magnussen – 2024
• Haas: Niko Hulkenberg – 2024