The Countdown Begins: Who’s at Risk of Exiting F1 by 2027?
As the dust settles on the 2025 Formula 1 season, fans and experts alike are left wondering: which drivers could be packing their bags by the end of 2026? With monumental regulatory changes shaking up the sport, the landscape of driver contracts is more uncertain than ever.
In a season that saw minimal driver changes, only one rookie has graced the grid for 2026—Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls. Unlike the dramatic influx of fresh talent in previous years, teams have opted for stability, maintaining their existing line-ups. The most notable shuffle? Isack Hadjar’s leap from Racing Bulls to Red Bull, where he’s set to partner the formidable Max Verstappen.
But hold onto your helmets, because the real drama lies ahead! The new regulations have thrown a wrench into the smooth sailing of many drivers, leaving several contracts dangling precariously. The potential for shock departures looms large. Even established stars are feeling the heat as they navigate the murky waters of contract options and escape clauses.
Take McLaren’s dynamic duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers are reportedly locked in until the end of 2027, but whispers of escape clauses could open the door for earlier exits—if the right opportunity knocks. Verstappen, the reigning four-time champion, is also in a precarious position. Despite his contract with Red Bull running through 2028, various clauses may allow him to seek greener pastures should his team falter in the face of fierce competition.
The stakes are even higher for other drivers, many of whom are either facing the end of their current deals or have contracts laden with option clauses that could either extend their stay or signal a swift exit.
As fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama, the question remains: who will stand firm, and who will be left on the sidelines come 2027? The F1 grid is set for a stunning transformation, and the countdown to contract decisions has officially begun. Stay tuned as we dissect the names that could vanish from our screens, and the implications of their potential departures for teams and fans alike!









