The Formula One driver merry-go-round is expected to turn yet again this year, with plenty of seats up for grabs.
As many as six stars are out of contract at the end of the 2025 F1 season, creating doubt over their future.
Add that to the introduction of an 11th team, with Cadillac joining the grid in 2026, and there is plenty of competition out there for places next season.
With that in mind, there will be plenty of people keeping their eyes peeled on the situations at Mercedes, Racing Bulls and beyond as the driver market shuffles again.
So, with that said, here’s a look at every F1 driver out of contract in 2025 and those staying on beyond this year.
F1 drivers out of contract in 2025
There are six drivers facing an uncertain future in their F1 seats, as their contract comes to an end in 2025.
George Russell – Mercedes
George Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, teaming up with Lewis Hamilton as part of a duo that looked towards winning in the present and building for the future.
With the latter making his exit to Ferrari over the past year, the former has taken on the responsibility as lead driver.
With plenty of highs and lows in his nearly three years at Mercedes, there is uncertainty over his future as his contract expires at the end of 2025.
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
The second half of the Mercedes duo is Kimi Antonelli, who is also out of contract at the end of the 2025 season.
The Italian driver signed a one-year deal for the campaign, and despite a few impressive displays, there are still questions about his future.
Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull Racing
Yuki Tsunoda got his promotion to the second seat at Red Bull Racing during the 2025 season, as he was swapped out with Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
The Japanese ace only has a deal until the end of the campaign, though, with plenty of speculation surrounding that tricky second seat for his team.
Franco Colapinto – Alpine
Franco Colapinto started the season as a reserve driver for Alpine, but got his step up to a starting spot on the grid shortly after, replacing Jack Doohan.
With his own deal expiring at the end of 2025, it’s unclear whether a new contract will be on the table.
Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
It’s been a difficult 2025 season for Liam Lawson, who started off in the second seat at Red Bull Racing, but he has since faced some changes.
After a poor start, the 23-year-old was swapped with Yuki Tsunoda to join Racing Bulls, with his contract up for renewal at the end of the campaign.
Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar is the other half of the Racing Bulls setup, who is also out of contract at the end of the 2025 season.
F1 drivers out of contract in 2026
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton made the surprise switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season, leaving Mercedes after an iconic run with the team.
The former world champion signed a two-year deal to drive with the iconic Prancing Horse on the front of his car, which takes him until 2026.
Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
At 43 years old, Fernando Alonso is still going strong in F1 as he looks to use his experience to guide him through his time at Aston Martin.
There is still some time on his deal there, which continues through 2026.
Pierre Gasly – Alpine
Pierre Gasly has been at Alpine since 2023, following his exit from Racing Bulls, where he spent the majority of his career.
The Frenchman signed a multi-year deal until 2026, with an 11th-place finish and a 10th-place finish under his belt in the driver’s championship.
Esteban Ocon – Haas
Esteban Ocon left Alpine before the last race of 2024 so he could make his move to Haas for the 2025 season.
He signed a two-year deal, looking to build something with his new team over that period.
Oliver Bearman – Haas
Making up the other half of the Haas team is Oliver Bearman, who is a potential star for the future.
The 20-year-old British driver has shown promising signs early on in his F1 career and could be one that Haas look at renewing in the future.
Alex Albon – Williams
After a few years in the Red Bull family, Alex Albon broke away to join Williams, where he has been a key member of the team.
The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer and is still part of their plans to improve under James Vowles.
Carlos Sainz – Williams
Williams landed quite the coup for the 2025 season when they signed Carlos Sainz, following his release from Ferrari.
The Spaniard, who has won a Grand Prix, is now part of the project until 2026.
Nico Hulkenberg – Sauber/Audi
The Sauber team are set for some big changes going into 2026 as they change to become Audi.
Nico Hulkenberg will be part of that switch-over, bringing his experience into a whole new setup on the grid.
Gabriel Bortoleto – Sauber/Audi
Joining Nico Hulkenberg in that switch to Audi is Gabriel Bortoleto, who is currently contracted until 2026.
F1 drivers out of contract in 2028
Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen has one of the longest contracts on the grid, with his future at Red Bull Racing confirmed until 2028.
Despite that, rumours persist over Verstappen and a move to Mercedes in a surprising potential switch.
Multi-year contracts for F1 drivers
Some drivers don’t have a specific date on the official press release for their contracts, being described as “multi-year” deals.
Lando Norris – McLaren
One of those with a multi-year deal is Lando Norris, who signed a contract with McLaren back in 2024, with his original deal only running until 2025.
The British driver is part of a strong driver partnership with the team, which is tied down for the long-term future.
Oscar Piastri – McLaren
The other half of that McLaren partnership has Oscar Piastri as part of the team, who signed a contract extension in 2025, which has been described as a “long-term” deal.
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
Ferrari landed Charles Leclerc on a multi-year contract extension, which should take him past the next few seasons.
It remains to be seen whether he will look to stay or move on beyond that deal with the Prancing Horse.
Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
While he started out at Williams, Lance Stroll’s move to Racing Point – later known as Aston Martin – has come with plenty of highs and lows.
The Canadian star has a multi-year deal at Aston Martin, where he continues to push for the future with an ambitious team behind him.