When Do Formula 1 Drivers’ Contracts End?

9 months ago By Walter Thompson

In the high-speed world of Formula 1, contracts play a pivotal role in shaping the grid for each season. They not only determine which team a driver represents but also set the stage for thrilling rivalries and championship battles. While the 2023 season is already in full swing, it’s never too early to look ahead and examine when some of the sport’s biggest stars will see their contracts expire.

Let’s take a closer look at the contract expiration dates of several prominent Formula 1 drivers:

1. Max Verstappen: End of 2028

Max Verstappen, the Dutch sensation, is riding high after securing back-to-back World Championships. He’s under contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2028 season, making it one of the longest and most significant contracts in Formula 1. Verstappen’s journey with Red Bull began in 2015, and by the time his current deal concludes, he will have spent well over a decade with the team.

2. Sergio Perez: End of 2024

Sergio Perez, the talented Mexican driver, proved his worth as a valuable teammate to Verstappen during the 2021 season. Red Bull recognized his contributions and rewarded him with a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the team until the end of the 2024 season.

3. Lewis Hamilton: End of 2025

The future of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was a hot topic in 2022. As his existing contract neared its end, speculation was rife. However, ahead of the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, Mercedes confirmed a new two-year deal, ensuring Hamilton’s presence until the conclusion of the 2025 season.

4. George Russell: End of 2025

George Russell, the young British talent often hailed as a future world champion, also secured his future with Mercedes. His “multi-year deal” ambiguity was replaced with clarity when it was announced that he had signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2025 season.

5. Charles Leclerc, End of 2024

Charles Leclerc’s initial contract with Ferrari was set to expire at the end of 2022. However, after a single season with the Scuderia, Leclerc extended his contract by an additional two years. As he enters the penultimate season of his Ferrari contract, Leclerc hopes for an improved performance from his team.

6. Carlos Sainz, End of 2024

Carlos Sainz, who joined Ferrari from McLaren in 2021, initially signed a two-year deal. However, his impressive performances led to a contract extension. Team boss Mattia Binotto secured Sainz on a further two-year deal, cementing his partnership with Leclerc until the end of 2024.

7. Lando Norris, End of 2025

British driver Lando Norris, a rising star in Formula 1, has committed to McLaren until the end of the 2025 season. This long-term partnership reflects McLaren’s confidence in Norris’s potential.

Others

8. Oscar Piastri, End of 2024 Oscar Piastri, a promising young talent, has a contract with McLaren that extends until the end of the 2024 season. The Australian driver aims to make his mark in the competitive world of Formula 1.
9. Fernando Alonso, End of 2024 Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso made a return to Formula 1 with Alpine in 2021. His contract ensures that he remains with the team until the end of the 2024 season.
10. Lance Stroll, Unknown Canadian driver Lance Stroll’s contract situation is currently unknown. The length of his commitment to Aston Martin remains undisclosed.
11. Pierre Gasly, End of 2024 Pierre Gasly, a talented French driver, is contracted with AlphaTauri until the end of the 2024 season. He continues to impress with his performances.
12. Esteban Ocon, End of 2024 Esteban Ocon, a French driver racing for Alpine, has a contract that extends until the end of the 2024 season. He aims to play a crucial role in the team’s success.
13. Valtteri Bottas, End of 2025 Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, after his move to Alfa Romeo Racing, secured a contract that keeps him with the team until the end of the 2025 season.
14. Zhou Guanyu, End of 2023 Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, a rising star, has a contract with Alfa Romeo Racing that expires at the end of the 2023 season.
15. Daniel Ricciardo, End of 2023 Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, who joined Scuderia AlphaTauri 2023, has a contract that extends until the end of the 2023 season.
16. Yuki Tsunoda, End of 2023 Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda’s contract with AlphaTauri will expire at the end of the 2023 season.
17. Alex Albon, End of 2023 British-Thai driver Alex Albon, who returned to Formula 1 with Williams, has a contract that runs until the end of the 2023 season.
18. Logan Sargeant, End of 2023 American driver Logan Sargeant’s contract with Williams expires at the end of the 2023 season.

Formula 1 contracts play a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s landscape. As these contracts expire, fans can expect exciting negotiations, team changes, and perhaps even surprising tists in the world of Formula 1.