Daily News 19

Author: Jordan Hayes

  • Messi Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo in Goals, With His Lead Set to Grow

    Messi Surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo in Goals, With His Lead Set to Grow

    Leo Messi produced another performance worthy of his growing legacy as Inter Miami responded to a difficult run with a historic rout. The Argentine captain scored four goals and provided one assist, leading the club to the biggest win in its history.

    At 39, Messi continues to defy expectations. Rather than manage his workload, he remains central to Inter Miami’s attack while adding new records to an already extraordinary career. His latest display also reignited comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, even without the two players meeting on the pitch.

    Messi moves further ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in free-kick goals

    The rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo defined more than a decade of football, with the two competing for goals, trophies, individual awards, and records. Although their careers are now at different stages, comparisons continue to emerge through increasingly specific statistics.

    Free kicks have become one of the most notable developments of Messi’s later career. The Argentine was rarely his team’s primary free-kick taker early on, but he has since established himself as one of the greatest specialists in football history.

    Ronaldo remains widely regarded as one of the game’s best long-range shooters. However, when it comes to direct free-kick goals, the statistics place Messi clearly ahead of the Portuguese forward.

    Messi scored two free kicks during his four-goal performance, moving within four goals of Marcelinho Carioca, the all-time leading scorer from direct free kicks. He also drew level with Jair Rosa Pinto on 74 goals.

    “La Pulga” scored one free kick before halftime and another in stoppage time. Between those goals, he added two more from open play to complete the first four-goal game of his MLS career.

    The performance also gave Messi his 62nd professional hat-trick and his 51st at club level. He has now scored 18 goals in the MLS regular season, moving to the top of the league’s scoring chart, and has registered 10 assists in the competition.

    Messi and Inter Miami face Atlanta United next

    Inter Miami’s next match is against Atlanta United on Saturday, September 5, at home. The club’s official schedule lists the game as its next MLS fixture after the meeting with Montréal.

    Messi will enter the match in outstanding form after scoring four times in his previous appearance. The focus will not only be on whether he can score again, but also on whether he can continue extending a statistical lead that once seemed almost impossible to build.

    As long as his legs continue to respond, Messi’s record collection appears far from complete. After a night featuring four goals and two direct free kicks, the question ahead of the Atlanta match is unavoidable: How much further can that lead grow?

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Caitlin Clark’s MVP Win Could Create Fever Dilemma and Separate Her From Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell

    Caitlin Clark’s MVP Win Could Create Fever Dilemma and Separate Her From Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell

    Caitlin Clark winning the WNBA MVP award would be another landmark achievement for the Indiana Fever star. However, it could also create a major salary-cap challenge for the franchise.

    WNBA analyst Rachel A. DeMita believes the league’s new collective bargaining agreement could make it increasingly difficult for Indiana to keep Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell together beyond this season.

    How a Caitlin Clark MVP award could affect the Fever

    The three stars have become central to the Fever’s resurgence, but their individual success could make retaining the team’s core significantly more expensive.

    DeMita explained the potential financial issue in a post shared by Courtside Club.

    “So Aliyah Boston is on her EPIC contract, and again this is part of the new CBA, so Aliyah Boston unlocked this maximum contract deal – the supermax deal essentially during her 4th season because of how the new CBA rules are,” DeMita said.

    “Now, Caitlin Clark will also be eligible for a max contract next season. Because of this provision, she will be eligible for a supermax contract if she wins MVP this season. Kelsey Mitchell is also on a max contract deal. So with that math and what we’ve kind of all been talking about for the season, why I have been saying for the Fever, it’s championship or bust, because you have three supermax-eligible players, or at least max-eligible players for the squad next year.”

    That possibility could force Indiana to make difficult roster decisions, even if the franchise’s preferred option is to keep its core intact.

    Can Indiana keep Clark, Boston and Mitchell together?

    DeMita believes the central question is whether the Fever can fit all three stars into their future salary structure.

    “And I’m just not sure if they have the salary cap, if they have the space to be able to do that for Kelsey, Caitlin, and Aliyah Boston. But after how they’ve performed this season, you’d probably want to keep those three together, specifically Caitlin and Kelsey because they have proven to be the best backcourt, maybe ever, in the WNBA. And so it’s just one of those things – things are gonna start getting really interesting because of this new CBA,” she added.

    As a result, Clark’s MVP campaign could have implications far beyond the individual award.

    If she wins, Indiana could eventually have to accommodate three players deserving of major contracts at the same time. The Fever have built their current success around Clark, Boston and Mitchell, but keeping that trio together could become one of the franchise’s biggest challenges.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Barcelona Signs Gabriel Jesus, Moves On From Julián Álvarez

    Barcelona Signs Gabriel Jesus, Moves On From Julián Álvarez

    Barcelona are close to completing the signing of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after holding negotiations with the Premier League club in recent hours.

    The Catalan side had initially planned not to sign another forward if it could not finalize the arrival of Julián Alvarez. However, Barcelona have changed their approach after an unexpected opportunity emerged in the transfer market.

    Barcelona agree Gabriel Jesus transfer

    Barcelona will pay €10 million plus variables for Gabriel Jesus, with the two clubs having reached an agreement that is expected to be signed shortly.

    The Brazilian forward is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Monday or Tuesday to undergo his medical examination. The club then intends to make the transfer official before Jesus begins training under Hansi Flick.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • Bernie Collins Issues Stark Warning to Williams After Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz’s Dutch GP Crash

    Bernie Collins Issues Stark Warning to Williams After Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz’s Dutch GP Crash

    Williams cannot afford the financial and development consequences of the collision between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon at the Dutch Grand Prix, according to Sky Sports Formula 1 analyst Bernie Collins.

    Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Collins highlighted the serious impact of the intra-team crash on the Grove-based team, which is already dealing with an overweight car, delayed upgrades and budget-cap constraints.

    Williams entered the Zandvoort weekend after announcing contract extensions for both drivers. However, its race quickly unravelled when Sainz and Albon made contact. Albon retired from the race, while Sainz received a 10-second penalty and eventually finished 16th.

    “The first rule within a team is do not hit your team-mate,” Collins said. “That is like the P1 rule. Particularly [for] a team who are struggling to bring upgrades, struggling for money. Their car is overweight and underperforming.

    “We hear Mercedes saying they don’t have enough money to bring upgrades. You just can’t lose the parts, the performance, the knowledge. So I think that’s something that they’re going to have a big discussion about.

    “Whether it comes out of their pay packet or not doesn’t matter because it’s already out of the budget. You can’t put it back into the budget and say, ‘Oh, the drivers have subbed this bit of the budget.’ It doesn’t work like that. So that was a difficult weekend for them.

    “And whether they did or didn’t do the right strategy, it was only [Fernando] Alonso who did the other strategy. So, they had very similar strategies to those around them. But the performance was lacking, and it just seems the car wasn’t the right weight, and it wasn’t delivered on time, and it didn’t have the right performance. So, there’s lots going on in the background of Williams there.”

  • Jason Kelce’s Criticism of Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Teammate Could Strain Their Relationship

    Jason Kelce’s Criticism of Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Teammate Could Strain Their Relationship

    Jason Kelce Breaks Down Trey Smith’s Costly Blocking Mistake

    Jason Kelce has publicly criticized a costly technique error by Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, despite previously being one of the offensive lineman’s biggest admirers.

    The former Philadelphia Eagles center reacted after Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jared Ivey beat Smith during Kansas City’s preseason finale. Kelce said the mistake was not caused by a lack of strength or talent, but by poor technique.

    Jason Kelce Explains Where Trey Smith Went Wrong

    The play began when rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier handed the ball to running back Emmett Johnson. Travis Kelce and Smith moved across the formation to execute kickout blocks, but Ivey stopped Smith and disrupted the run.

    “Trey Smith is a bad man, but it don’t matter how much of a beast you are if you go in with bad technique,” Kelce wrote on X.

    “Trey should be striking this kickout block with his left shoulder, and left foot forward. Same foot same shoulder is how power is generated.”

    Kelce was equally impressed by Ivey’s execution, highlighting the linebacker’s positioning and timing.

    “Conversely we see Jared Ivey striking Trey with perfect technique, right foot forward right shoulder. Ivey is also way lower and does a great job squeezing down the line and catching Trey before he is ready for contact.”

    Kelce then made clear that the single failed block had not changed his overall view of Smith.

    “Trey is still a badass, but what F***ing Outstanding rep from Ivey.”

    Chiefs Rely on Trey Smith After Record Contract

    The criticism carries added weight because Smith is one of the Chiefs’ most important offensive linemen.

    Kansas City signed Smith to a four-year, $94 million extension that included $70 million guaranteed, making him the NFL’s highest-paid interior lineman when the agreement was reached.

    Smith also entered the preseason after missing much of Kansas City’s padded training-camp work because of a hip injury.

    “Trey (Smith) loves to play, but it was important that he let that thing heal up like he did,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after Smith visited a specialist. “And I think it’ll pay off for him down the road.”

    Kelce’s analysis was therefore not a dismissal of Smith’s ability. Instead, it was a detailed warning from one of the NFL’s most accomplished former offensive linemen: even an elite player can lose a rep when his fundamentals are not right.

  • Kimi Antonelli Credits 2025 Struggles for Stronger 2026 F1 Campaign

    Kimi Antonelli Credits 2025 Struggles for Stronger 2026 F1 Campaign

    Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli says the difficulties of his rookie Formula 1 season in 2025 helped him become mentally stronger for the 2026 championship.

    The Italian currently leads his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 59 points in the drivers’ standings. After back-to-back victories in China and Japan, Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the championship in his second season in Formula 1. He then added four more Grand Prix wins before the summer break.

    Antonelli’s Formula 1 progress

    Antonelli has made a significant performance improvement compared with the same stage 12 months ago, when he scored points in just two of nine European races. He finished his rookie season seventh in the standings with 150 points, recording podium finishes in Canada, Brazil and Las Vegas, alongside four retirements in Emilia-Romagna, Spain, Austria and Great Britain.

    “Experience is playing a massive role,” the 20-year-old explained to F1.com as he reflected on the changes from 2025 to 2026.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
    Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

    Antonelli said that although his 2025 campaign was challenging, he “needed” those difficult moments to become stronger “emotionally and mentally”.

    “Of course, I still have a lot of experience to make, but I think last year, despite all the bad moments, the difficult periods, I think that was what I needed because that helped me to grow even more than what I anticipated. It made me stronger emotionally and mentally.”

    Antonelli prepares for the Italian Grand Prix

    Since Antonelli took the championship lead in Japan, there has been considerable discussion about when the pressure of a title fight might affect the young driver. So far, that pressure has yet to slow him down.

    Antonelli now heads into his home race at Monza hoping for better fortunes than he experienced in 2025, although he will serve a power unit penalty. The Italian Grand Prix will take place at Monza from 4-6 September.

  • Spurs Agree £60m Deal for Ndiaye as Everton Prepare £35m Richarlison Return

    Spurs Agree £60m Deal for Ndiaye as Everton Prepare £35m Richarlison Return

    Tottenham Hotspur are set to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye for £60 million, according to Paul Joyce.

    In a separate deal, Richarlison is poised to return to his former club for £35 million. The two transfers are expected to be completed independently as Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping Tottenham’s attack.

  • Flick Gives Surprising Answer on the Next Ballon d’Or

    Flick Gives Surprising Answer on the Next Ballon d’Or

    Hansi Flick says Barcelona are satisfied with their start to the 2026-27 LaLiga season, with two wins from two matches, while sporting director Deco continues to assess whether the squad can be strengthened before the transfer window closes.

    Speaking ahead of the meeting with Rayo, Flick also discussed Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, goalkeeper Tek, several emerging players and Barcelona’s plans for the final days of the market.

    Flick happy with Barcelona squad

    Flick said he is pleased with the quality and atmosphere within the squad, while stressing that Barcelona are under no pressure to make another signing.

    I’m happy with the team I have. Deco is working to see if he can strengthen it. But we’re under no pressure. So far he has done a fantastic job. For me, everything is fine. I see quality in training, and we’re doing well. We’re on the right track.

    He added that Deco is still exploring the market, but said the club’s current position is positive.

    Tek and Livakovic

    Flick confirmed that Barcelona remain satisfied with Tek and explained that Dominik Livakovic’s arrival is viewed as a move for the future.

    “We are happy with Tek, and Livakovic knows the situation. It is a signing for the future. We are happy with his signing”.

    De Jong’s progress and workload

    The Barcelona coach praised Frenkie de Jong’s improvement and quality, while warning that the club will need to manage his minutes during a long season that includes the World Cup.

    Let’s take it day by day. He has improved. The season is long and he is a fantastic player. I’m happy that he’s here, he has quality and we need him to achieve our objectives. We have to manage the load of minutes, there are World Cup players… we have to monitor and manage it, and everyone wants to play. But the team is the priority, neither me nor any individual player. It is the club.

    Bisiwu to continue with the reserves

    Flick said Bisiwu will train with the first team but continue playing for Barcelona’s reserve side, where he can keep developing his potential.

    I think his situation is clear. He trains with us but plays with the reserve team. He has potential. He is doing very well, but he can improve and I’m sure he will.

    Flick not focused on the Ballon d’Or

    Flick dismissed questions about the Ballon d’Or, saying his priority is Barcelona’s collective success rather than individual awards.

    “No, it’s not my job. Mine is already difficult enough without having to keep track of that. There are many good players on my team. I’m not a fan of these things. I’m concerned about the team; if it is successful, there are more chances of winning individual titles. There are world-class players and it isn’t easy to choose just one”.

    Team spirit remains central to Barcelona’s plans

    Flick said Barcelona’s objectives will depend on their ability to remain united throughout the season, rather than relying on one or two individuals.

    “In one season, many things can happen. But, as of today, we are doing well. Everything has to do with how we play as a team. It’s not about one player or two, it’s about being connected and being a team. The setting and the atmosphere are very good and we have to keep it that way. It is important to achieve our objectives. Team spirit is very important”.

    Raphinha’s role as a number nine

    Flick explained why Raphinha continues to operate as a central striker, highlighting his pressing, leadership, intensity and finishing ability.

    “As a number 9, he starts the press well. And he is a leader on the pitch. He has intensity. And in front of goal he does very well. That’s why he plays there. It’s not a problem for him. Fermín can also play there. He played the final minutes and also scored”.

    Hamza will receive more opportunities

    The coach said Hamza has earned playing time after an impressive pre-season and strong work in training.

    “No siempre es fácil, we think about giving minutes to those who deserve them, and he deserves them. He had a great preseason and trains well. He is doing very well in front of goal, and he also has the right mentality. He deserves to play and will get minutes. We have to give him opportunities to show his quality”.

    Rodri and Fariñas available

    Flick said Rodri has recovered from minor recent problems and is ready to start, although a final decision will be made later. He also praised Fariñas for his talent, fitness and versatility.

    “Rodri has had some minor issues in recent days, but he’s fine now. He’s ready to start, but we’ll see. Fariñas, like Hamza. He has surprised me a lot, he is an excellent player with a lot of talent, he is very fit and committed. He can play in several positions. There are many players in midfield, but he deserves to play some minutes”.

    Álvaro Cortés could leave Barcelona

    Flick confirmed that Barcelona are continuing to consider their options until the transfer window closes. He believes Álvaro Cortés needs regular football and that a move to Belgium could benefit the young player.

    We are always looking at what we can do, right up until the end of the market. All clubs do it. Álvaro has taken a step forward. At his age, he needs to play. It’s good for him to play in Belgium. Here he might not have the minutes he needs. And staying with the reserves is not an option.

    Barcelona transfer window plans

    Although Flick would prefer the squad to be settled before the season begins, he acknowledged that some decisions are outside his control.

    “I prefer to have everything done at the start of the season, but there are things I can’t change”.

    Flick backs Lamine Yamal

    Flick defended Lamine Yamal after concerns about the winger’s emotional state, saying the teenager remains on a strong sporting path following an injury, a World Cup appearance and a short holiday.

    It’s good that Lamine smiles, but every day is the same, I don’t smile every day either

    Always good to see a player smile, but not every day is the same. I don’t smile every day either. Everyone is worried about him, but he played in a World Cup after an injury. He had three weeks of vacation. He has played two matches; the first perhaps wasn’t the best, but I’m happy because he gives us more, creates chances… against Athletic he played the full 90 minutes, I saw him at a top level. Today he was excellent. He’s on a very good path. We have to support him, and I’m going to do it.

  • McLaren Tipped to Become Mercedes’ Main Rival by the End of the 2026 F1 Season

    McLaren Tipped to Become Mercedes’ Main Rival by the End of the 2026 F1 Season

    Former Alpine Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer expects McLaren to emerge as Mercedes’ closest rival by the end of the 2026 season.

    Speaking on the High Performance Racing podcast with broadcaster Jake Humphrey, Szafnauer discussed the changing competitive order at the front of the Formula 1 grid after Lando Norris secured consecutive victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix.

    McLaren upgrades could transform the F1 title fight

    McLaren has introduced significant upgrades at recent races. With the team’s development package now fully integrated ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Szafnauer believes the Woking-based outfit can overtake Ferrari in the constructors’ championship and mount a stronger challenge to Mercedes.

    “Monza will be very important because [McLaren] brought an upgrade that did work in Hungary. I think they continued with that upgrade from what I read in Zandvoort, and now the upgrade’s complete. Let’s see how they go in Monza,” Szafnauer explained.

    “I still think they’re going to be Mercedes’ closest competitor at the end of the season. I said that at the beginning, but it seemed like it was Ferrari. And I think it’s ebbing and flowing, the relative performance due to the fact that not all of the upgrades are coming at the same time, and the upgrades are significant.

    “In a year where the regulations are new, you find a lot, right? So your learning curve is very steep. So when you bring that upgrade relative to those who haven’t, you make a step. And I think we saw that with Alpine as well. After Racing Bulls had their upgrade, they were significantly quicker than Alpine. It looked like they were going to get them. And now they’re there or thereabouts.”

    Lando Norris, McLaren. Photo by Eric Le Galliot.

    Mercedes upgrades limited by the cost cap

    Szafnauer also addressed why constructors’ championship leader Mercedes has spread its upgrades across the season instead of introducing new components more frequently. He attributed the team’s cautious approach to Formula 1’s cost cap.

    “Cost cap. They have upgrades now that they could bring, but once you start making those parts, it costs you, and they’ll go over the cap,” he said. “So what they’re going to do, my guess is, one more upgrade, Malaysia/Singapore timeframe.

    “That doesn’t mean the learning stops. The learning continues in the background. You’re still doing CFD work. You’re still doing wind tunnel work. You’re still making wind tunnel parts. All that’s planned.

    “It’s just a question of when you stop to actually bring that upgrade package. And that’s where the money is. When you make realised car parts, they cost: new wings, new floors, new bodywork. And I predict they’ll have one more big upgrade as opposed to a lot of little ones because they can’t afford it. They’re at the cap.”

  • F1 Driver Contracts: How Long Is Each Driver Signed For?

    F1 Driver Contracts: How Long Is Each Driver Signed For?

    F1 Driver Contracts: When Each Formula 1 Deal Expires

    Details of Formula 1 driver contracts are closely guarded, although the length of many deals is eventually made public. Here is how long each current F1 driver contract is believed to run, along with the potential moves that could shape the grid in the coming seasons.

    McLaren

    Lando Norris — 2030

    The reigning F1 world champion recently announced a new four-year contract with McLaren, keeping him at the team until at least 2030. The agreement is also believed to include clauses that could extend the deal beyond that point.

    Norris joined McLaren as a junior driver in 2017 before stepping up to its F1 team in 2019. He became world champion in 2025.

    Oscar Piastri — 2028

    Oscar Piastri signed a new McLaren contract at the start of 2025, tying him to the team until the end of 2028.

    The Australian made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2023 after a hearing before the FIA Contract Recognition Board settled a dispute between Alpine and McLaren.

    Mercedes

    George Russell — 2027

    Despite Mercedes’ previous pursuit of Max Verstappen, George Russell remains confident in his place at the team. The British driver is contracted through the end of the 2027 season.

    Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 after three seasons effectively on loan at Williams, where he made his F1 debut in 2019.

    Kimi Antonelli — 2027

    Kimi Antonelli is also believed to have a Mercedes contract running until the end of 2027.

    The Italian replaced Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes’ driver line-up after Hamilton left for Ferrari in 2025.

    Red Bull

    Max Verstappen — 2030

    Max Verstappen and Red Bull announced a new contract at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The agreement runs until at least the end of 2030.

    Verstappen became a Red Bull junior in 2014 and made his F1 debut with sister team Toro Rosso in 2015 at the age of 17. He was promoted to the Red Bull team midway through the 2016 season.

    Isack Hadjar — 2026

    Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull contract is set to expire at the end of 2026 after he joined the senior team from Racing Bulls the previous winter.

    The French driver made his F1 debut with Racing Bulls in 2025 and immediately impressed, highlighted by a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix. His performances led to a rapid promotion to Red Bull for 2026.

    Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton — 2027

    Ferrari has often declined to reveal the precise length of its drivers’ contracts, but all parties have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton’s deal runs until at least 2027. With contract clauses taken into account, he signed a three-year agreement when he joined in 2025.

    Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 and won his first world title in 2008. He moved to Mercedes in 2013 and won a further six world championships during his 12 years with the German manufacturer.

    Charles Leclerc — 2028

    Ferrari announced that Charles Leclerc had agreed to a new contract on the eve of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, saying he would remain with the Maranello team “for the coming seasons”. The deal is believed to keep him at Ferrari until at least the end of 2028, with an option for additional years.

    Leclerc was a Ferrari junior and made his F1 debut on loan at Sauber in 2018. He joined Ferrari’s driver line-up in 2019 and has remained a permanent fixture ever since.

    Williams

    Alex Albon — 2027

    Alex Albon signed a contract extension with Williams ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, keeping him at the team until the end of 2027.

    The Anglo-Thai driver made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2019 before switching to Red Bull midway through the season. Red Bull dropped Albon at the end of 2020, and he spent one year away from F1 before returning to the grid with Williams in 2022.

    Carlos Sainz — 2028

    One day after Albon’s renewal was announced, Carlos Sainz’s future was confirmed with a multi-year Williams contract at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The deal is believed to run until the end of 2028 and include contract clauses.

    Sainz has raced for almost half of the F1 grid since making his debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso. He switched to Renault in 2017, joined McLaren in 2019 for two seasons and then moved to Ferrari for four years. Sainz joined Williams in 2025.

    Racing Bulls

    Liam Lawson — 2026

    Like many Red Bull youngsters, Liam Lawson has largely worked on one-year contracts, and 2026 is no different. The New Zealander responded well after being demoted to Racing Bulls following just two rounds as a Red Bull driver and secured his short-term future with the team for the season.

    Lawson made his F1 debut in 2023 as an injury replacement for Daniel Ricciardo. In 2024, he permanently replaced Ricciardo at Racing Bulls from the United States Grand Prix, leading to his ill-fated promotion to Red Bull and subsequent return to Racing Bulls in 2025.

    Arvid Lindblad — 2026

    F1’s only rookie on the 2026 grid was handed a one-year contract to prove himself at Racing Bulls.

    The British driver has impressed during his debut season and appears set to retain his place on the grid for 2027.

    Aston Martin

    Fernando Alonso — 2026

    The biggest remaining question surrounding the 2027 F1 grid concerns Fernando Alonso. The 45-year-old agreed to a contract extension in 2024 that will keep him at Aston Martin until the end of the 2026 season.

    Alonso made his F1 debut with Minardi in 2001. After spending one year away from the grid as a Renault test driver, he returned in 2003 for a four-year stint that produced two world titles. Following an unsuccessful 2007 season with McLaren, Alonso returned to Renault for 2008 and 2009 before joining Ferrari for five years. He later had a second spell with McLaren amid its crisis with Honda and left both the team and F1 at the end of 2018. Alonso returned to F1 with Alpine in 2021 before switching to Aston Martin for 2023.

    Lance Stroll — 2026

    Lance Stroll is in the unique position of arguably having a timeless contract because his father, Lawrence Stroll, owns Aston Martin. He could therefore continue racing for the team for as long as both decide.

    A contract announced in 2024 covering “2025 and beyond” guarantees Stroll a place at least through the end of 2026, but the agreement is expected to continue indefinitely.

    The Canadian made his F1 debut with Williams in 2017 and spent two seasons there before joining Racing Point, which was rebranded as Aston Martin in 2021.

    Haas

    Esteban Ocon — 2026

    When Esteban Ocon joined Haas for 2025, the deal was described as multi-year, with options believed to cover 2027. However, neither the driver nor the team has so far indicated that an agreement extending beyond this season is in place.

    Ocon made his F1 debut midway through 2016 as a Mercedes junior with Manor. After the team folded, he joined Force India but lost his place in the line-up during Lawrence Stroll’s takeover at the end of 2018. After a year away, Ocon returned to F1 with Renault in 2020, remaining there until 2024 before moving to Haas.

    Oliver Bearman — 2026

    Oliver Bearman became a full-time Haas F1 driver in 2025, and his current contract is believed to expire at the end of 2026.

    The British driver made a surprise F1 debut for Ferrari as a substitute for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He made two further appearances that year with Haas, driving at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for the banned Kevin Magnussen and again for Magnussen at the Brazilian Grand Prix when the Dane was unwell. Bearman became a permanent Haas driver in 2025.

    Audi

    Nico Hulkenberg — 2026

    Nico Hulkenberg joined Sauber in 2025 ahead of its transition to Audi on a multi-year contract. The agreement is expected to carry him into 2027 if both parties agree.

    Hulkenberg’s F1 career began with Williams in 2010. After a year away, he returned with Force India in 2012, joined Sauber for 2013 and reunited with Force India the following year, staying until the end of 2016. Two seasons with Renault ended with Hulkenberg failing to secure a full-time seat for 2020 and 2021, although he made five substitute appearances for Racing Point and Aston Martin. He returned to a full-time F1 seat with Haas in 2023, spending two seasons there before joining the Sauber-Audi project.

    Gabriel Bortoleto — 2026

    Gabriel Bortoleto made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2025 ahead of the team’s transition to Audi. Like Hulkenberg, his contract is described as multi-year and is expected to be extended into 2027.

    Alpine

    Pierre Gasly — 2028

    Pierre Gasly signed a new multi-year contract with Alpine in 2025 that will keep him at the team until at least the end of 2028.

    Gasly made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso as a mid-season replacement in 2017 before completing a full season with the team in 2018. A brief spell at Red Bull in 2019 ended with his demotion back to Toro Rosso, where he remained until the end of 2022. The French driver joined Alpine in 2023 and has stayed with the team since.

    Franco Colapinto — 2027

    Franco Colapinto emerged as one of the biggest winners in a stable 2026 driver market, as limited movement elsewhere gave Alpine the opportunity to assess him. The Argentinian driver has consequently been retained by the Enstone team for 2027.

    Colapinto made his F1 debut with Williams midway through 2024 but found his path to a full-time seat blocked. He switched to Alpine for 2025 and again joined as a mid-season replacement, this time doing enough to secure a full-time contract from 2026.

    Cadillac

    Sergio Perez — 2027

    Sergio Perez secured an F1 comeback with the new Cadillac team on a multi-year contract that will keep him there until at least the end of 2027.

    Perez began his F1 career with Sauber in 2011, impressing enough to earn a McLaren seat for 2013. He moved to Force India in 2014 and played an integral role in saving the team from administration before joining Red Bull at the end of 2020. After a promising start in Milton Keynes, Perez was dropped at the end of 2024 before his contract expired. He spent 2025 away from F1 before returning with Cadillac in 2026.

    Valtteri Bottas — 2027

    Valtteri Bottas also returned to F1 with Cadillac. The Finn has a multi-year contract that is set to run until the end of 2027.

    Bottas made his F1 debut with Williams in 2013 before unexpectedly joining Mercedes in 2017. He helped the team win five constructors’ world championships before moving to Alfa Romeo in 2022. His three-year spell at Alfa Romeo and Sauber ended in 2024, followed by one season away from the grid before he joined Cadillac for 2026.

    Source: www.motorsport.com