Formula 1 confirmed driver contracts and seat changes

As of 19 May 2026, the Formula 1 driver market is focused on the 2027 and 2028 seasons following the full confirmation of the 22-driver grid for 2026. A notable development occurred on 18 May 2026, when Max Verstappen confirmed plans to compete in the 2027 Nürburgring 24 Hours, a move that has intensified discussions regarding his future in F1 despite his current contract with Red Bull running through 2028. Additionally, Williams is continuing negotiations to secure Carlos Sainz on a long-term extension through 2028, while the paddock prepares for the Canadian Grand Prix where local driver Autumn Fisher will feature as a Wild Card in the F1 Academy series.

• Max Verstappen 2027 Nürburgring Plan: On 18 May 2026, Max Verstappen confirmed his intention to return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2027, stating his appearance will depend on his F1 schedule; the announcement adds a concrete element to ongoing speculation about his 2027 career path.
• 2026 F1 Grid Finalization: The 2026 grid is fully contracted with 11 teams, including the debut of Cadillac F1 Team with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and the promotion of Isack Hadjar to Red Bull Racing alongside Verstappen. (March 6, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) 2026 F1 Season Start (Australian Grand Prix) March 6, 2026
• Williams-Sainz 2028 Negotiations: Williams Racing is actively negotiating with Carlos Sainz to extend his current multi-year agreement (which covers 2025-2026) through at least the end of the 2028 season to ensure stability for the new regulation era.
• F1 Academy Montreal Wild Card: Canadian driver Autumn Fisher has been confirmed as the Wild Card entry for the F1 Academy round at the Canadian Grand Prix, racing for Hitech in the #77 car with Standard Chartered sponsorship. (May 22, 2026 at 03:00 GMT+3 – May 24, 2026 at 03:00 GMT+3) 📅

The Formula 1 driver market has shifted focus to the 2027 and 2028 seasons following the finalization of the 2026 grid, which features 22 drivers across 11 teams, including the new Cadillac entry. While speculation regarding a potential 2027 move for Max Verstappen has intensified, leadership at both McLaren and Mercedes officially dismissed these rumors on 15 May 2026, reaffirming commitment to their current pairings. Additionally, Williams has reportedly opened negotiations to extend Carlos Sainz's contract through 2028, and Autumn Fisher has been confirmed as a Wild Card for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.

• 2026 Grid Finalization: The 2026 Formula 1 grid is fully confirmed with 11 teams; the new Cadillac F1 Team will field Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, while Isack Hadjar has been promoted to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen.
• Williams-Sainz 2028 contract negotiations: On 14 May 2026, reports emerged that Williams has opened negotiations with Carlos Sainz for a fresh long-term contract extension reaching at least until 2028, building on his initial two-year deal.
• McLaren and Mercedes Verstappen stance: On 15 May 2026, McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff officially downplayed rumors of a 2027 move for Max Verstappen, stating they are satisfied with their current driver pairings.
• Red Bull interest in Oscar Piastri: Reports from 12 May 2026 indicate that Red Bull has identified Oscar Piastri as a primary target for 2027, amid ongoing speculation regarding Max Verstappen's long-term future with the team.
• Autumn Fisher Montreal Wild Card confirmation: On 12 May 2026, 18-year-old Canadian driver Autumn Fisher was officially confirmed as the Wild Card entry for the F1 Academy round during the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix weekend. (May 22, 2026 – May 24, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Autumn Fisher F1 Academy Debut (Montreal) May 22, 2026 – May 24, 2026

As of 15 May 2026, the Formula 1 driver market has shifted focus toward the 2027 and 2028 seasons, as the 2026 grid is now fully confirmed with 22 drivers across 11 teams. Recent developments include the official confirmation of Autumn Fisher as a "Wild Card" entry for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix and reports that Williams has initiated negotiations to extend Carlos Sainz's contract through 2028. Additionally, high-profile speculation emerged this week regarding a potential future seat swap between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

• Williams-Sainz 2028 contract negotiations: On 14 May 2026, reports emerged that Williams has opened negotiations with Carlos Sainz for a fresh long-term contract extension reaching at least until 2028, seeking to secure the Spaniard beyond his current deal which covers 2025 and 2026.
• Autumn Fisher Montreal Wild Card confirmation: On 12 May 2026, Autumn Fisher was officially confirmed as a Wild Card entry for the upcoming 2026 Canadian Grand Prix. (May 22, 2026 – May 24, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Autumn Fisher F1 Wild Card Debut (Montreal) May 22, 2026 – May 24, 2026
• 2026 F1 Grid Status: The 2026 Formula 1 grid is finalized with 11 teams and 22 drivers; notable confirmed pairings include Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, and Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas at the new Cadillac team.
• Piastri-Verstappen 2027 swap rumors: On 12 May 2026, reports from multiple outlets indicated that Red Bull has identified Oscar Piastri as a primary target for 2027, amid rumors that Max Verstappen has held exploratory talks with McLaren regarding a future move.

As of 08 May 2026, the FIA has confirmed major revisions to the 2027 engine regulations and launched a formal investigation into multi-team ownership that could force grid reshuffles. While no new F1 race seats were signed this week, Daniel Ricciardo officially confirmed his retirement from competitive racing on 08 May 2026 to take on an ambassadorial role, and Audi bolstered its management by appointing Allan McNish as Racing Director.

• FIA 2027 engine regulation changes: On 08 May 2026, the FIA announced significant adjustments to the 2027 power unit regulations following driver feedback regarding the 50/50 electrical-to-combustion power split introduced for 2026. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) FIA 2027 Engine Regulation Announcement May 8, 2026
• FIA multi-team ownership investigation: The FIA confirmed on 07 May 2026 that it is investigating the ethics of multi-team ownership, specifically targeting Red Bull's dual-team structure and Mercedes' potential stake in Alpine, which may lead to forced divestments. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) FIA Multi-Team Ownership Review May 7, 2026
• Daniel Ricciardo retirement confirmation: On 08 May 2026, Daniel Ricciardo confirmed he will not return to a Formula 1 race seat, instead signing a long-term deal as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador to represent the brand across various motorsport categories. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Daniel Ricciardo Ambassador Role Confirmation May 8, 2026
• Allan McNish Audi Racing Director appointment: Audi Revolut F1 Team appointed former F1 driver and three-time Le Mans winner Allan McNish as its new Racing Director on 06 May 2026, reporting to CEO Mattia Binotto. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Allan McNish Audi Appointment May 6, 2026