Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension with Ferrari is expected to be announced around the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, ending months of speculation.
Three months ago, the 41-year-old’s future at Ferrari and in Formula 1 was the subject of intense and widespread speculation across the paddock.
Hamilton endured a miserable debut season at Maranello but has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in 2026, convincing the Scuderia to reward his performances.
The big financial question surrounding the deal is whether Hamilton will come anywhere close to the reported $107 million per season that Max Verstappen just secured with Red Bull.
Hamilton has always been a powerful brand asset and merchandising machine for Ferrari away from the track, and his on-track form now backs that commercial value up.
Verstappen’s deal through to 2030 was the biggest domino to fall in this silly season, with Lando Norris also securing improved terms on a renewal at McLaren.
Carlos Sainz added to the headline moves by agreeing a jaw-dropping multi-year deal at Williams reportedly worth 30 million Euros per season, making him considerably richer.
With 15 of the 22 seats for 2027 already locked in, Red Bull are expected to confirm Isack Hadjar as their second driver alongside Verstappen after the 21-year-old impressed throughout 2026.
Hadjar has performed well in a car that Verstappen himself has often described as undriveable, proving he can be a solid and valuable foil for the four-time world champion.
The signings of Gwen Lagrue and Tom McCullough at Red Bull are part of a wider rebuild for the team, and locking up Hadjar completes that picture at driver level.
Fernando Alonso, who turned 45, is expected to sign at least one more year at Aston Martin after Adrian Newey’s chassis upgrades began moving the team closer to the front of the grid.
Despite Honda’s much-criticised power unit still needing improvement, Alonso has seen enough progress at Aston Martin to justify one last dance in 2027 rather than retirement.
At Haas, Brazilian youngster Rafael Camara is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Esteban Ocon after reportedly impressing during a two-day test at Portimao alongside Ollie Bearman.
McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli and Toyota’s Ryo Hirakawa also took part in that Portimao audition, but Ferrari’s close relationship with Haas gives Camara a significant advantage in the selection process.
If Camara is confirmed, and Bearman continues on loan from Ferrari, Haas would effectively become a Scuderia lockout for the American-owned team heading into next season.