Contract negotiations and speculation are part of Formula 1’s lifeblood. Some drivers are tied down until the end of the decade while others face an uncertain future once their short-term deals expire. With 10 races still to run in 2025, including classic stops like Monza and Sao Paulo, here is a comprehensive look at the grid’s contractual status alongside the current battle for championships.
McLaren Stability
- Oscar Piastri: secured with McLaren until at least the end of 2027, possibly longer
- Lando Norris: contracted until at least the end of 2026, with break clauses but strong loyalty both ways
Both drivers provide McLaren with continuity as the team eyes further championship challenges.
Ferrari’s New Era
- Charles Leclerc: on a flexible multi-year deal signed in 2024
- Lewis Hamilton: joined Ferrari in 2025 under a multi-year arrangement, reportedly until the end of 2027
The Leclerc-Hamilton partnership is one of the most high-profile in recent Formula 1 history.
Red Bull Questions
- Max Verstappen: tied to Red Bull until 2028 despite speculation during the team’s dip in form
- Yuki Tsunoda: contract until the end of 2025, future uncertain after mixed results since promotion
Mercedes Transition
- George Russell: contract runs to end of 2025
- Kimi Antonelli: rookie signed through 2025, showing flashes of promise
Aston Martin Experience and Continuity
- Fernando Alonso: contracted until 2026, still delivering strong performances at 44
- Lance Stroll: deal runs until 2026, with backing from father Lawrence
Alpine Mix
- Pierre Gasly: multi-year deal lasting at least until end of 2026
- Franco Colapinto: on a race-by-race basis for 2025, long-term future undecided
Haas New Blood
- Esteban Ocon: multi-year deal starting in 2025
- Ollie Bearman: also secured for the medium term following impressive Ferrari stand-in role
Racing Bulls Rising Stars
- Isack Hadjar: signed until the end of 2025 with possible promotion prospects
- Liam Lawson: also 2025, rebuilding reputation after Red Bull stint
Williams Strengthens Line-up
- Alex Albon: deal believed to last until the end of 2027
- Carlos Sainz: joined in 2025, committed until at least through 2026
Kick Sauber / Audi Transition
- Nico Hulkenberg: signed multi-year deal leading into Audi’s works entry from 2026
- Gabriel Bortoleto: contracted until 2026, seen as a long-term investment
Cadillac’s 2026 Arrival
Cadillac will join Formula 1 as an 11th team in 2026. Drivers have yet to be announced, though Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are heavily linked.
Current Standings
With 14 races complete out of 24, the championship picture is tightening:
Drivers’ Championship
- Oscar Piastri leads with 284 points, just ahead of Lando Norris on 275.
- Max Verstappen sits third on 187, with a significant gap to the front two.
- The battle for fourth to sixth is much closer: George Russell (172), Charles Leclerc (151) and Lewis Hamilton (109).
- Behind them, rising star Kimi Antonelli (64) and Alexander Albon (54) are leading the midfield charge.
Constructors’ Championship
- With Piastri and Norris 1–2 in the standings, McLaren are comfortably leading the teams’ race.
- Red Bull and Mercedes are next, though both trail by a wide margin.
- Ferrari have solid points from Leclerc and Hamilton but are further back.
- Midfield remains tight, with Williams, Haas, Alpine and Aston Martin trading minor points.
Points not only determine the world titles but also set the order of financial rewards and technical resources for 2026’s sweeping regulation changes.
Races Still to Come
There are 10 races remaining in the 2025 calendar, shaping what promises to be a dramatic finale:
- Zandvoort
- Monza
- Baku
- Marina Bay
- Austin
- Mexico
- Sao Paulo
- Los Angeles
- Losail
- Yas Marina
With contracts largely set, the focus is firmly on who can seize momentum in the closing stretch of the season.
