McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Alpine and Cadillac have already confirmed their drivers for next season. Checo Pérez and Bottas will remain at the American team. Kimi Antonelli, the big favorite for the 2026 title, has not yet signed his renewal with Mercedes.
The second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season is about to begin, but the driver market for 2027 is already starting to take shape. Although most current drivers do not yet have their futures secured, eight names have already been confirmed for next season. Among them is Sergio Pérez, who will remain at Cadillac, while Franco Colapinto and Kimi Antonelli are still waiting for their renewals.
McLaren has been the fastest team to secure both its drivers. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have proven to be one of the most solid duos on the grid, will continue at Woking in 2027. The British team trusts its project and has locked in its two stars for the immediate future.
Ferrari has also confirmed its dream duo: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will continue wearing the Scuderia's red in 2027. The Maranello team has bet on the continuity of its two drivers, who have shown good understanding and have taken the team to the fight for the top positions.
Red Bull, for its part, has secured Max Verstappen's continuity. The four time world champion will remain at the Austrian team for at least another year, despite rumors linking him with a possible departure. The Milton Keynes team trusts that the Dutchman can return the team to the top of Formula 1.
Pierre Gasly is the only confirmed driver at Alpine. The Frenchman will remain at the Enstone team, while Franco Colapinto's future remains unknown. The Argentine has shown good performance in his first full season but has not yet signed his renewal.
Cadillac, the debutant team, has been one of the most active in the market. The American team has confirmed both its drivers for 2027: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. The Mexican, considered a key piece for the team's growth, will continue in General Motors' project.
Kimi Antonelli, the big favorite for the 2026 title, is one of the major absentees from the list of confirmed drivers. The 19 year old Italian has won six races and leads the drivers' championship but has not yet signed his renewal with Mercedes. The German team trusts that the young driver will remain in the structure, but negotiations have dragged on longer than expected.
The confirmation of these eight drivers is just the beginning of a market that promises major moves. Teams like Mercedes, Aston Martin and Audi still have decisions to make. The pressure increases for drivers who have not secured their continuity, especially those seeking a seat at top teams. The rest of the season will be decisive for their aspirations and for the final configuration of the 2027 grid.
The 2027 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With eight drivers confirmed and many others in negotiation, the driver market is more alive than ever. The second half of 2026 will be key to defining the future of many drivers, including Franco Colapinto and Kimmi Antonelli.
