Williams has finalised its driver lineup for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Carlos Sainz has agreed to a new multi-year contract with the team, an announcement made today, August 19, 2026. This follows yesterday’s confirmation that Alex Albon also extended his stay with a one-year deal covering the 2027 season.
Sainz joined Williams in 2025 after departing Ferrari. During the 2025 season, he secured two Grand Prix podiums for the Grove-based outfit, including a third-place finish in Baku, a Sprint podium in Austin, and another rostrum appearance in Qatar.
The Spaniard’s renewed commitment reflects trust in Williams’ long-term project. The team aims to compete at the front of the grid, despite a challenging 2026 campaign. This completed lineup coincides with Williams’ 50th anniversary year in 2027.
Elsewhere on the grid, McLaren has secured its driver pairing for the foreseeable future. Lando Norris is contracted until the end of 2027, while Oscar Piastri’s deal extends through the 2028 season.
Ferrari’s lineup also remains stable. Charles Leclerc recently signed a multi-year extension, believed to run until at least the end of 2028. Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari covers the 2027 season, with reports indicating an option for 2028.
Mercedes has confirmed its driver pairing will remain unchanged for 2027. George Russell’s multi-year deal includes performance clauses, which he appears to have met by running at the front of the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings alongside Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli, who has dominated the start of the 2026 season with five consecutive Grand Prix wins, is also expected to continue with Mercedes for 2027 on a multi-year agreement.
At Red Bull, Max Verstappen is officially under contract until the end of 2028. However, his deal contains performance-related clauses that could allow for an earlier departure. Verstappen’s future continues to be a central point of discussion in the driver market.
Isack Hadjar, promoted to Red Bull for 2026, has impressed with his performances this season. He is expected to be retained for at least 2027 if his current form persists.
Alpine has Pierre Gasly secured through to the end of 2028, following a two-year contract extension signed at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix. Franco Colapinto is anticipated to remain with the Enstone squad for a third season.
Cadillac, the newest team on the grid in 2026, has Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas on multi-year deals that are understood to cover the 2027 season. The team recently replaced founding principal Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski.
At Audi, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto are expected to continue. Bortoleto has indicated he has agreed to a new deal, though official confirmation for 2027 is pending.
The situation at Racing Bulls is less certain beyond 2026. Liam Lawson and F1 rookie Arvid Lindblad’s current deals expire at the end of this season. Lindblad is expected to stay for 2027.
Lawson’s position is less secure, particularly with Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov currently leading the Formula 2 championship. Tsolov’s performance could influence Red Bull’s decisions regarding its junior team.
Aston Martin has no drivers officially signed for 2027. Fernando Alonso’s contract concludes at the end of 2026, with his decision on continuing in F1 expected around the summer break or early autumn. Lance Stroll operates on a rolling contract.
Haas also faces expiring contracts at the end of 2026 for Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. Bearman is likely to continue his loan arrangement from Ferrari, while Ocon’s future with the team is less clear. Bearman’s deal includes an option for 2027.
