F1 Silly Season: who are the nine drivers with no contract for 2027?

As the Formula 1 season enters its final third, the landscape of the grid remains remarkably fluid. While 13 of the 22 drivers are already secured through at least 2027, the remaining nine occupy a precarious position. The early-season frenzy—fueled by speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s potential departure—has largely subsided following the Dutchman’s monumental extension through 2030, but the real question now shifts to the remaining vacancies.

Stability Amidst the Chaos

For several teams, the driver lineup for 2027 appears settled. Audi is reportedly satisfied with its pairing of Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, with junior driver Freddie Slater preparing for a 2027 Formula 2 campaign. Similarly, Haas is expected to retain Oliver Bearman, while Aston Martin looks set to keep Lance Stroll, given the owner's familial ties to the team.

The Red Bull Dilemma

Within the Red Bull ecosystem, the uncertainty is palpable. While Verstappen is locked in until 2030, the futures of three other drivers remain speculative. The talent pool is deep, creating a complex puzzle for the management.

The Junior Pipeline

Isack Hadjar has demonstrated exceptional single-lap speed, occasionally rivaling Verstappen, and a podium finish in Monaco highlights his potential despite a recent wrist injury. Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad has impressed in qualifying and holds his own in races, though he currently trails Liam Lawson in the standings.

Lawson remains a highly capable driver, yet he faces the most significant pressure. While Racing Bulls is pleased with his performance, the emergence of Nikola Tsolov introduces a new variable. If Red Bull opts to promote Tsolov, Lawson becomes the primary candidate to move, though the team may opt for continuity in their driver allocation.

The Veteran and the Veteran's Exit

At Haas, Esteban Ocon’s tenure appears to be nearing its end. Despite his history as a Grand Prix winner, his recent performances have struggled to match the pace of teammate Oliver Bearman. Potential replacements currently being discussed include Rafael Camara, Jack Doohan, or Leonardo Fornaroli.

In contrast, Fernando Alonso holds the power of choice. At 45, the Spaniard remains eager for success, but his future depends heavily on the FIA's upcoming regulatory shifts for 2027 and 2028. For Alonso, the decision to continue depends on whether the new technical landscape offers an appealing prospect for his final years in the sport.