F1 2027 GRID: The 12 seats still open as Max Verstappen finally signs mega deal… Read more

F1 2027 Grid: The 12 Seats Still Open as Max Verstappen Finally Signs Mega Red Bull Deal

 

By Hugo Harvey

 

The Formula 1 driver market for 2027 has taken another major step forward after Max Verstappen finally ended months of speculation about his future by committing to Red Bull Racing beyond the 2026 season.

 

The four-time world champion has signed an extension that will keep him with Red Bull through to 2030, bringing an end to widespread rumours linking him with a move to Mercedes or McLaren. Verstappen’s decision represents one of the biggest pieces of the 2027 driver-market puzzle, but despite the Dutchman’s commitment, there are still 12 seats yet to be confirmed on next year’s grid.

 

The 2027 Formula 1 grid is beginning to take shape, but most teams still have at least one vacancy. With 22 seats available across 11 teams, only 10 are currently considered confirmed.

 

Verstappen’s future had been one of the biggest talking points surrounding the driver market. His performances, combined with Red Bull’s competitive position, had fuelled speculation that he could eventually seek a new challenge elsewhere.

 

Mercedes had repeatedly been mentioned as a potential destination, while McLaren’s rapid rise also made them a possible option. However, Verstappen has now chosen stability with Red Bull, committing his future to the team that brought him his world championships.

 

His new deal also gives Red Bull a clear foundation around which to build its future driver line-up.

 

McLaren’s champion pairing remains intact

 

McLaren currently has one of the strongest confirmed driver pairings for 2027.

 

Reigning world champion Lando Norris is expected to remain with the team alongside Oscar Piastri. The pair have established themselves as one of the leading combinations on the grid, giving McLaren considerable continuity heading into the new season.

 

Although contracts in Formula 1 can contain options and termination clauses, both Norris and Piastri are currently listed as confirmed for 2027.

 

Ferrari have Leclerc and Hamilton

 

Ferrari are also one of the teams with both seats occupied.

 

Charles Leclerc has committed his long-term future to the Scuderia, with his current agreement believed to extend through 2030. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is also under a multi-year contract with Ferrari.

 

The partnership between Leclerc and Hamilton therefore remains in place for 2027, giving Ferrari one of the most experienced and high-profile line-ups in Formula 1.

 

Williams confirm Albon and Sainz

 

Williams have also removed uncertainty surrounding both of their drivers.

 

Alex Albon recently signed a new agreement with the Grove-based team, before Carlos Sainz followed by committing his own future to Williams.

 

The two drivers have helped give Williams a stable foundation as the team continues its efforts to move further up the competitive order.

 

Cadillac’s experienced duo

 

Newcomers Cadillac are another team with both 2027 seats currently confirmed.

 

Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are listed as the team’s drivers, bringing a huge amount of Formula 1 experience to the American manufacturer’s project.

 

However, their positions may not be completely immune from future changes. Bottas is reportedly under pressure, while Perez has been linked with a potential move to Williams.

 

For now, though, both drivers remain officially listed as confirmed for Cadillac.

 

Pierre Gasly remains at Alpine

 

Alpine currently have only one confirmed driver for 2027, with Pierre Gasly occupying one of their seats.

 

The Frenchman has become an important part of Alpine’s long-term plans, but his team-mate for next season remains unknown.

 

That means Alpine still have one opening to fill as the driver market continues to develop.

 

Twelve seats remain open

 

The biggest uncertainty surrounds the remaining six teams.

 

Mercedes currently have both seats listed as TBC, meaning neither driver has been confirmed for 2027.

 

Red Bull have Verstappen confirmed, but his team-mate is yet to be announced.

 

Racing Bulls have two open seats, while Aston Martin and Haas are also waiting to finalise both sides of their respective line-ups.

 

Audi, meanwhile, have two vacancies still listed as TBC as the manufacturer continues to establish its long-term Formula 1 project.

 

With Alpine needing one additional driver and Red Bull requiring Verstappen’s team-mate, the number of unconfirmed seats currently stands at 12.

 

Current 2027 F1 grid

 

Team| Driver 1| Driver 2

McLaren| Lando Norris – Confirmed| Oscar Piastri – Confirmed

Mercedes| TBC| TBC

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| TBC| TBC

Alpine| Pierre Gasly – Confirmed| TBC

Cadillac| Sergio Perez – Confirmed| Valtteri Bottas – Confirmed

 

The remaining vacancies mean the 2027 silly season could become extremely active over the coming months.

 

Mercedes are perhaps the most intriguing team to watch, given their two open seats and the number of high-profile drivers who could potentially become available. Red Bull’s second seat will also attract significant attention, particularly because the team will now be built around Verstappen’s long-term commitment.

 

There could also be movement involving drivers currently considered confirmed. Formula 1 contracts are not always as straightforward as they appear, and options, performance clauses and negotiations can still lead to unexpected changes.

 

For now, however, the biggest question has been answered.

 

Max Verstappen is staying with Red Bull.

 

With the reigning champion’s future settled through 2030, attention now shifts to the 12 remaining vacancies. The 2027 grid is only partially complete, meaning another major wave of driver-market drama could be waiting just around the corner.