Formula 1 driver transfers and team principal changes

During the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend (31 October – 1 November 2026), Haas made a surprise mid-event driver change, replacing Esteban Ocon with reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa for the remainder of the weekend. On 1 November 2026, Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 World Drivers' Championship, becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history. Additionally, Cadillac confirmed a major contract extension for Sergio Pérez through 2029, while the team's second seat for 2027 remains unconfirmed.

• Haas driver substitution: On 31 October 2026, Haas announced that reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa would replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, following Ocon's participation in Friday practice.
• Kimi Antonelli 2026 World Champion: On 1 November 2026, Andrea Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship with a third-place finish in Mexico, becoming the youngest-ever champion at 20 years old.
• Sergio Pérez contract extension: Cadillac confirmed on 28 October 2026 that Sergio Pérez has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team until at least the end of 2029.
• Cadillac 2027 seat status: As of 2 November 2026, Cadillac has not yet confirmed its second driver for the 2027 season, with Valtteri Bottas, Colton Herta, and Frederik Vesti all in contention for the seat.

On 30 October 2026, Audi announced the departure of veteran director Beat Zehnder, who will leave the team at the end of the season after a 39-year tenure. During the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, Cadillac reserve driver Colton Herta reached 39 FIA Super Licence points following his practice outing, though he remains one point short of the 40 required for a 2027 race seat. Additionally, Haas leadership dismissed recent speculation regarding Oliver Bearman's contract as the team prepares for its confirmed 2027 lineup.

• Beat Zehnder departure from Audi: On 30 October 2026, Audi confirmed that long-standing director Beat Zehnder will leave the organization at the end of the 2026 season, concluding a 39-year career that began with Sauber in 1988.
• Colton Herta Super Licence status: Following his participation in the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix on 30 October 2026, Colton Herta reached 39 Super Licence points, leaving him just one point shy of the 40-point threshold required for a Formula 1 race seat.
• Haas driver market update: Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu dismissed rumors on 30 October 2026 regarding Oliver Bearman's contract demands, reaffirming the team's 2027 plans which include Bearman and the recently confirmed Rafael Câmara.

On 28 October 2026, Cadillac officially ended speculation regarding its future lineup by confirming that Sergio Perez has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team until at least 2029. Additionally, Audi announced a significant leadership change, appointing Thomas Fuhr as the new CEO of its Formula 1 power unit operation effective 1 November 2026. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls continues to evaluate its 2027 driver options, confirming that Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov will make his official practice debut at the Mexican Grand Prix on 30 October.

• Sergio Perez contract extension: On 28 October 2026, Cadillac announced that Sergio Perez has signed a new multi-year deal to stay with the team until at least 2029, securing his seat ahead of his 300th Grand Prix start in Mexico. (November 1, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Sergio Perez 300th Grand Prix Start November 1, 2026
• Audi leadership appointment: Audi confirmed on 28 October 2026 that Thomas Fuhr will take over as CEO of Audi Formula Racing GmbH on 1 November 2026, overseeing the development and manufacture of the team's power units. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Thomas Fuhr assumes Audi CEO role November 1, 2026
• Nikola Tsolov FP1 debut: Racing Bulls announced on 28 October 2026 that Formula 2 contender Nikola Tsolov will replace Liam Lawson for the opening practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix as the team evaluates its 2027 driver lineup. (October 30, 2026 at 20:30 GMT+2 – October 30, 2026 at 21:30 GMT+2) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Nikola Tsolov F1 Practice Debut (FP1) October 30, 2026 at 20:30 GMT+2 – October 30, 2026 at 21:30 GMT+2

During the United States Grand Prix weekend (23–24 October 2026), the 2027 Formula 1 driver market saw renewed uncertainty as Cadillac Team Principal Marcin Budkowski revealed the team's lineup is not yet finalized, despite previous reports of multi-year deals for Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Meanwhile, former team boss Otmar Szafnauer disclosed on 23 October that he had twice rejected offers to lead the Cadillac project. Mercedes also provided further clarity on its post-2026 leadership transition, with Toto Wolff detailing a plan to divide his current responsibilities among a multi-person management structure.

• Cadillac 2027 driver uncertainty: On 23 October 2026, Team Principal Marcin Budkowski stated that Cadillac has yet to settle its 2027 driver lineup; while Sergio Perez is believed to have a firm two-year deal, Valtteri Bottas's seat is reportedly subject to an option that remains unconfirmed.
• Otmar Szafnauer's Cadillac revelation: In a podcast released on 23 October 2026, former Alpine principal Otmar Szafnauer revealed he was twice offered the role of Cadillac Team Principal by Michael Andretti but declined because the team lacked a confirmed F1 entry at the time.
• Mercedes succession structure: Updated reports on 23 October 2026 clarified that Toto Wolff intends to split his Team Principal and CEO duties among two or three successors to ensure institutional longevity, with Deputy Team Principal Bradley Lord already integrated into this future leadership group.
• Racing Bulls 2027 status: As of 24 October 2026, Racing Bulls remains the only team with both 2027 seats officially unconfirmed; Team Principal Alan Permane confirmed that a decision between Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, and Nikola Tsolov is expected in the coming weeks.