BREAKING: F1 2027 Grid with seven seats still open and one massive question mark… Read more

F1 2027 Grid: Seven Seats Still Open as One Massive Question Mark Dominates the Silly Season

 

The Formula 1 driver market for 2027 is beginning to take shape, but despite several major contracts being settled during the summer, seven seats remain officially open with one enormous question mark hanging over the future of a two-time world champion.

 

The biggest piece of the puzzle has already fallen into place after Max Verstappen committed his future to Red Bull with a new contract extension that will keep the four-time world champion at the team through to 2030.

 

Verstappen was already under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but an exit clause had created the possibility of a sensational move for the 2027 season. The Dutchman was linked with McLaren and held discussions surrounding a potential move, but ultimately decided to remain with Red Bull.

 

His decision has also had a major impact on the rest of the driver market.

 

McLaren will retain its current line-up of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for 2027. Norris, the reigning world champion, had always looked secure, while Piastri had been at the centre of speculation regarding a potential switch to Red Bull as part of a possible Verstappen deal.

 

With Verstappen staying put, however, that scenario has disappeared and McLaren can head into 2027 with continuity at both sides of the garage.

 

Mercedes has also confirmed that its successful partnership will continue. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are set to remain with the Silver Arrows after Mercedes’ impressive 2026 campaign.

 

Antonelli, who has emerged as a major championship contender, will continue alongside Russell as Mercedes looks to build on its current dominance.

 

Ferrari will also retain its two star drivers. Charles Leclerc has secured a long-term extension with the Italian team, while Lewis Hamilton remains alongside him for 2027, although questions remain over whether the seven-time world champion will extend his Ferrari deal beyond that point.

 

While much of the top end of the grid is already settled, the biggest unresolved story concerns Aston Martin.

 

Fernando Alonso’s future remains one of the defining questions of the 2027 silly season.

 

The two-time world champion will be 45 years old in 2027, and Aston Martin reportedly wants to keep the veteran driver. The decision now rests with Alonso, who must determine whether he wants to continue his remarkable Formula 1 career or call time on it.

 

A decision from Alonso could have a significant knock-on effect across the driver market.

 

Aston Martin’s second seat is also yet to be officially confirmed, with Lance Stroll’s position alongside Alonso still listed as TBC for 2027.

 

Red Bull, meanwhile, has one seat remaining alongside Verstappen. Isack Hadjar is currently the incumbent and is considered a leading candidate for the position, although his 2026 season has been interrupted by a wrist injury that forced him to miss three races.

 

The Racing Bulls line-up is also yet to be confirmed. Both seats remain officially vacant, although Liam Lawson and highly rated British youngster Arvid Lindblad are widely expected to be in contention to continue with the team.

 

There has also been speculation surrounding Bulgarian youngster Nikola Tsolov, who has been linked with a possible promotion to Formula 1.

 

Haas is another team with both seats officially listed as TBC, although one position appears considerably clearer than the other.

 

Ollie Bearman is expected to retain his place with the American team after establishing himself as one of the promising young British drivers on the grid.

 

The second Haas seat is much less certain.

 

Esteban Ocon’s future with the team remains unresolved, with several drivers reportedly competing for the opportunity to replace him. Among those attracting attention are Ferrari junior Rafael Camara and F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli.

 

Reports from Italy have suggested that Camara is currently considered a leading contender for the seat, although no official confirmation has been made.

 

With seven positions still open, the 2027 grid remains one of the most intriguing driver-market puzzles in recent F1 history.

 

F1 2027 grid as things stand

 

McLaren

 

– Lando Norris — Confirmed

– Oscar Piastri — Confirmed

 

Mercedes

 

– Kimi Antonelli — Confirmed

– George Russell — Confirmed

 

Red Bull

 

– Max Verstappen — Confirmed

– TBC

 

Ferrari

 

– Charles Leclerc — Confirmed

– Lewis Hamilton — Confirmed

 

Williams

 

– Alex Albon — Confirmed

– Carlos Sainz — Confirmed

 

Racing Bulls

 

– TBC

– TBC

 

Aston Martin

 

– TBC

– TBC

 

Haas

 

– TBC

– TBC

 

Audi

 

– Nico Hulkenberg — Confirmed

– Gabriel Bortoleto — Confirmed

 

Alpine

 

– Pierre Gasly — Confirmed

– Franco Colapinto — Confirmed

 

Cadillac

 

– Sergio Perez — Confirmed

– Valtteri Bottas — Confirmed

 

That leaves 15 drivers officially confirmed and seven seats still listed as TBC.

 

The biggest question, however, remains Alonso.

 

Should the Spaniard decide to continue, another chapter would be added to one of the longest and most extraordinary careers in Formula 1. Should he choose retirement, Aston Martin would suddenly become one of the most important destinations in the driver market.

 

For now, the 2027 grid is taking shape but seven empty seats mean there is still plenty of room for the silly season to produce another major surprise.