How long do the current F1 drivers' contracts run for?

Formula 1 heads into the 2022 season with a lot of unknown variables on the technical front as the sport enters a new era.

To that end, the teams also appear to have left their options open with regard to their drivers, if any of them fail to get to grips with the new cars.

Of the 20 drivers taking part this season, 12 will have their contracts expire at the end of 2022, meaning that the potential for musical chairs for 2023 is a distinct possibility.

How long is Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull?

Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2023, although hints have recently come from team advisor Helmut Marko that a contract extension is already being talked about with the Dutch driver.

The 2021 F1 Drivers' World Champion certainly appears to be enjoying himself with the team he's raced with since 2016, shouting enthusiastically down radio about racing with Red Bull "forever" in the euphoria of his title win in Abu Dhabi.

More realistically, whether or not Verstappen's contract is extended out will likely be dependent on the relative performance of Mercedes and Red Bull as the new regulation cycle gets started.

Could Verstappen's head be turned by Mercedes if Red Bull fail to nail the new regulations?

How long is Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes?

Hamilton, like Verstappen, is tied into his team until the end of 2023 – assuming that he decides to return to F1 as rumours float around that he may opt not to continue after the contentious end to the 2021 title fight.

Hamilton is set to race with Mercedes for another two years, meaning he'll be 39 by the time the contract expires. Would he want to continue longer than that, if he has beaten Michael Schumacher's all-time record of title wins? That'll likely be a question answered by how well Mercedes adjust to the new rules.

If Hamilton does decide to walk away after his current contract (or even during), he'll be in a unique position of having completed his entire career powered by just one engine manufacturer – Hamilton has never raced an F1 car that wasn't powered by Mercedes.

How long is Charles Leclerc's contract with Ferrari?

As a product of Ferrari's Driver Academy, it's perhaps no surprise that Leclerc has also signed a long-term contract with Ferrari that links him to the Italian racing stable until 2024.

With Carlos Sainz proving to have the measure of Leclerc during his first season in red, a similarly strong 2022 would likely guarantee him an extension beyond the end of 2022 – although Ferrari Academy member Mick Schumacher would probably want to interfere with that.

How long is Lando Norris' contract with McLaren?

Lando Norris has opted to be extremely loyal to the team that have given him his F1 break, as he's put pen to paper to stay with McLaren until the end of 2025. This is currently the longest confirmed contract duration on the F1 grid.

Below, you will find an overview with the duration of all known contracts.

*Indicates that the drivers have an option in their contract to extend.