The Formula 1 grid could look drastically different next season, with 13 drivers set to see their contracts expire at the end of the 2026 campaign. This means that over half of the current lineup could be replaced if no extensions are agreed.
Key Drivers at Risk
Among those facing an uncertain future is current championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who is viewed as part of Mercedes' long-term plans. Other drivers who could leave their teams include Isack Hadjar, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Franco Colapinto.
Here, Express Sport examines these contracts and determines who could be bidding farewell to their team—or the sport as a whole—after this season.
Antonelli and Hadjar
It is unlikely that the 19-year-old Antonelli will depart Mercedes this season, as he is regarded as the successor to the main seat. Meanwhile, Hadjar is the seventh driver in the last eight years to pair with Max Verstappen at Red Bull. His position will largely rely on his continued performance this season, which has been respectable given that he only joined the F1 grid in 2025.
Albon and Sainz
Albon signed a new contract with Williams in 2024 and will remain with the team until the end of this season. A strong campaign would likely see his deal extended, but with just two top 10 finishes so far, his future remains uncertain. Sainz only joined Williams in 2025 and has "options to extend" his two-year deal beyond this season. The team will be keen to keep him due to his longevity in the sport, but he may be tempted to look elsewhere if there is no edge to compete in his seat.
Lawson and Lindblad
Lawson began his F1 career at Racing Bulls before going on to work with Verstappen at Red Bull. He is now battling rookie Arvid Lindblad for the team's main driver role and could even return to partner the Dutchman next season. The 24-year-old has delivered some strong results so far, making the top 10 in eight out of his 11 races and sitting ninth in the standings.
Lindblad is the only rookie competing this season after impressing Red Bull in three practice outings in 2025. He has continued this trend with seven top 10 finishes and 23 season points so far. He could oust Lawson for the main seat at Racing Bulls or even be snapped up by another team for the 2027 campaign.
Alonso and Stroll
Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid and has only accumulated one point so far this year. Naturally, there are questions about whether the Spaniard will go for one more year in F1 or retire at the end of the season. Stroll's contract situation remains unknown, largely due to his position as the son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence. It is claimed that the Canadian will be kept in F1 for as long as his father owns the team. Aston Martin also reported in 2024 that the 27-year-old has a deal there for "2025 and beyond."
Bearman and Ocon
Bearman went flying into F1 in 2025 with Haas, securing fourth in Mexico City and also falling to several racing penalties throughout the season. There was speculation over whether he could be Lewis Hamilton's replacement at Ferrari due to his youth, but the 20-year-old may have other options. Ocon has also not been confirmed to keep his seat with Haas for 2027. He has managed just three points in total this season and sits in 17th in the drivers' standings. The Frenchman may opt to move to another team next year to return to the form he found with Alpine in 2021.
Hulkenberg and Bortoleto
Hulkenberg is another veteran on this list who may consider retirement due to his age and family life. He signed a multi-year deal with Sauber—which is now Audi—in 2025, but he may not have a seat with the new-look team beyond this campaign. The German has failed to complete three races so far and garnered just two points this season. Bortoleto is an up-and-coming driver in F1 and is one Audi will likely plan to keep hold of this year. He won F3 and F2 titles on his way to the elite grid and still has plenty of time to grow at just 21 years old.
Colapinto's Future
Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan during the 2025 season at Alpine and was kept on a race-by-race basis. He retained the seat alongside Pierre Gasly this year and has impressed with six top 10 finishes and 19 points in his first full campaign. Other teams may be keen to tempt Colapinto away from Alpine for the 2027 season, but team principal Flavio Briatore has hinted that he wants to keep the 23-year-old under his watch.
Speaking on Beyond The Grid, Briatore said: "Franco is integrating much better in the team. He's improving a lot – mentally, technically, relationship with the team. We’re working very hard with him. He's moving to Monaco. I see him a lot in Monaco."
"We're talking a lot with him. This young driver [arrived] in Formula 1 with a lot of pressure and to settle mentally is not easy. We need to help him. We've done a lot of work with Franco and now, little by little, the confidence [has arrived]. I don't know our level of talent we [will arrive at] with him. But sure enough, a talent. This is 100 per cent."
