F1 driver contracts: How long are all the drivers' contracts?

F1 driver contracts: How long are all the drivers’ contracts?

Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes – Contract until the end of 2023

Lewis Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes was revealed during the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix when he was already halfway through the single-season deal he signed earlier that year. Speculations about his future have linked him to Ferrari for 2024, but all parties have denied this possibility. Although it was expected that a new contract would be announced shortly after team principal Toto Wolff’s statement in early June, some minor contractual details, like sponsorship commitments, have caused a delay, leaving Hamilton currently as a free agent for 2024.

Zhou Guanyu – Alfa Romeo – Contract until the end of 2023

After the departure of Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen at the end of 2021, Zhou Guanyu, a Formula 2 driver, joined Alfa Romeo on a one-year deal for the 2022 season, which was later extended to cover the 2023 season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future in contractual terms, Zhou has been performing impressively for Alfa Romeo, even though the team struggles to secure points regularly.

Daniel Ricciardo – AlphaTauri – Contract until the end of 2023

Daniel Ricciardo returned to AlphaTauri, where he raced at the start of his F1 career in 2012-2013, before the 2023 Hungarian GP, replacing Nyck de Vries. He is currently on loan from Red Bull’s senior squad, and he aims to secure a promotion back to Red Bull, possibly in 2024 or more likely in 2025, depending on his performance for AlphaTauri in the remaining races of 2022.

Yuki Tsunoda – AlphaTauri – Contract until the end of 2023

Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to F1 from Red Bull’s junior program and has been racing for AlphaTauri since the 2021 season. He signed one-year contract extensions for 2022 and 2023, committing to the team until the end of the current season. Tsunoda is known for his aggressive driving style, but his inconsistency and several crashes have been a concern. The departure of Nyck de Vries eases the pressure on Tsunoda as he’s no longer the younger, less experienced driver at AlphaTauri.

Logan Sargeant – Williams – Contract until the end of 2023

American racer Logan Sargeant joined Williams as a junior driver in late 2021, and after securing the necessary superlicence points through F1 practice outings and a strong performance in the 2022 F2 championship, he was promoted to F1 for the 2023 season. So far, Sargeant is yet to score a point, but he has the support of new Williams team boss James Vowles.

Kevin Magnussen – Haas – Contract until at least the end of 2023

Kevin Magnussen returned to Haas in 2022 after the team replaced him and Romain Grosjean ahead of the 2022 car design rule reset. Magnussen was rehired on a multi-year deal, which is expected to run until the end of 2023, with a potential extension due to Haas’s stable future following a deal with title sponsor MoneyGram. His relationship with teammate Nico Hulkenberg is far less contentious than his previous partnership with Grosjean.

Nico Hulkenberg – Haas – Contract until at least the end of 2023

Nico Hulkenberg returned to F1 in 2023, replacing the crash-prone Mick Schumacher at Haas. His contract reportedly includes an option for 2024, although it was not announced as a multi-year deal. Hulkenberg is known for being F1’s super-sub, having replaced several drivers in various teams during the COVID-19 impacted seasons. He has performed well for Haas, particularly in qualifying.

Sergio Perez – Red Bull – Contract until the end of 2024

Sergio Perez signed with Red Bull until the end of 2024 after winning the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix. While he has been meeting Red Bull’s expectations in challenging his teammate Max Verstappen, his pace has been less competitive on high-speed tracks. Speculations about his replacement by Daniel Ricciardo for 2024 have arisen, but any potential change is more likely to occur in 2025.

Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – Contract until the end of 2024

Charles Leclerc’s current contract with Ferrari, signed in December 2019, runs until the end of 2024. He was identified as Ferrari’s new star, leading to Sebastian Vettel’s departure just a few months later. Leclerc’s strong performances have impressed, but the team has faced challenges in recent years, leaving his future with Ferrari uncertain.

Carlos Sainz – Ferrari – Contract until the end of 2024

Carlos Sainz signed a contract with Ferrari in April last year for the 2021 season, replacing Sebastian Vettel. His current deal with the team runs until the end of 2024, aligning with his teammate Charles Leclerc’s contract. Sainz has expressed contentment to start negotiations for a possible extension during the 2023/2024 off-season.

Esteban Ocon – Alpine – Contract until the end of 2024

Esteban Ocon signed with Alpine for the 2020 season after exiting the Mercedes junior program. He agreed to a current deal with Alpine until the end of the 2024 season. Ocon has achieved significant milestones, including his first F1 win in the chaotic 2021 Hungarian GP.

George Russell – Mercedes – Contract until at least the end of 2024

George Russell’s long-term contract with Mercedes was announced in September 2021, but the exact duration has not been disclosed. It is understood to run until at least the end of 2024. Russell’s precise feedback and technical knowledge have earned him respect within the team, and he scored his first win for Mercedes in the 2022 Sao Paulo GP.

Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin – Contract until at least the end of 2024

Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin shocked F1 during the 2022 summer break. He signed a “multi-year contract,” covering at least the current season and the next. Such ‘2+1’ deals are common in F1, suggesting Alonso’s contract could extend until the end of 2025. His age was a factor in his decision to leave Alpine for Aston Martin.

Oscar Piastri – McLaren – Contract until at least the end of 2024

Oscar Piastri’s move to McLaren for the 2023 season caused controversy after a contract dispute with Alpine. The young Australian driver signed a “multi-year” contract, likely covering at least until the end of 2024, with a possible extension option for 2025, which is a common arrangement in F1.

Pierre Gasly – Alpine – Contract until at least the end of 2024

Pierre Gasly’s current contract with Alpine was announced at the 2022 Japanese GP. He moved to Alpine after being unable to return to the Red Bull team following a stint with AlphaTauri. Gasly finally left the Red Bull family for good

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about contract extensions

What are the contract details of Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes?

Lewis Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes runs until the end of 2023. It was announced during the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix while he was mid-way through a single-season deal signed earlier that year.

Is there speculation about Lewis Hamilton’s future beyond 2023?

Yes, there have been speculations linking Lewis Hamilton with a move to Ferrari for the 2024 season. However, all parties involved have dismissed these rumors.

When did Daniel Ricciardo join AlphaTauri, and what are his future plans?

Daniel Ricciardo rejoined AlphaTauri ahead of the 2023 Hungarian GP after leaving McLaren in 2022. He is currently on loan from Red Bull’s senior squad and targets a potential promotion back to Red Bull, possibly in 2024 or more likely in 2025, based on his performance for AlphaTauri.

How long are the contracts of Yuki Tsunoda and Zhou Guanyu with AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo, respectively?

Yuki Tsunoda’s contract with AlphaTauri runs until the end of 2023. Zhou Guanyu’s contract with Alfa Romeo also extends until the end of the current season.

What is the duration of George Russell’s contract with Mercedes?

George Russell’s contract with Mercedes is a long-term deal that was announced in September 2021. While the exact duration has not been disclosed, it is understood to run until at least the end of 2024.

Which drivers have multi-year deals with their respective teams?

Sergio Perez (Red Bull), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Logan Sargeant (Williams), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) have multi-year deals with their teams. The exact duration of some deals, like Alonso’s with Aston Martin, is not specified, but they likely include at least the current and next season.

What is the current contract status of Max Verstappen with Red Bull?

Max Verstappen signed a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028. He expressed his desire to stay with the team for a long time after winning the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Are there any unknown details about Lance Stroll’s contract with Aston Martin?

Lance Stroll’s contract details have never been formally disclosed. He joined the team (then Racing Point) in 2019 under a “long-term deal,” and his future with Aston Martin remains secure as long as he and his father, who owns the team, want to continue their F1 venture.

What is the contract duration of Esteban Ocon with Alpine?

Esteban Ocon’s contract with Alpine runs until the end of the 2024 season. He joined the team in 2020 after leaving the Mercedes junior program.

More about contract extensions