As many as seven Formula 1 stars are reportedly at risk of losing their seat after the full 2026 contract list was revealed.
Later this month, the 2026 F1 season will officially begin with testing taking place in Bahrain.
In January, teams took part in their own private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton setting the fastest time.
The 2026 race calendar will then kick off with the Australian Grand Prix, taking place around Melbourne's Albert Park in March.
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Ahead of the new season, major changes were made to the sport's regulations, with cars set to be smaller and more agile, which promises to bring closer battles on track.
There will also be a higher reliance on the battery, and drivers will have to judge where is best to deploy their electrical power.
Ahead of what is billed to be an exciting campaign, several drivers will have to impress in order to keep their place on the grid.
As per ESPN, seven drivers are set to be without a contract when the 2026 season comes to a close.
Fernando Alonso
Having been with Aston Martin since 2023, two-time world champion Alonso's future remains uncertain as he is now 44 years old.
Despite being in his mid-forties, the Spaniard is still putting in impressive performances and hopes the arrival of Adrian Newey could lead to another shot at the world title.
When asked about potentially retiring after 2026, Alonso said: "It depends on the feeling I have next year, how I feel physically and mentally. But I don't know. Now I don't have a clear idea. If the car went well, there's a good chance it will be my last year."
Arvid Lindblad
The only rookie on the grid for 2026, Lindblad will drive alongside Liam Lawson for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Having signed a one-year deal with the team, the 18-year-old will have to impress to retain his seat for next season.
Liam Lawson
A driver under serious pressure, having been demoted by Red Bull after just two races, Lawson regained his confidence at Racing Bulls.
However, with a pool of talent behind him, Lawson will need to at least beat his rookie teammate to stand a chance of driving in 2027.
Isack Hadjar
After a brilliant rookie season, Hadjar was promoted to Red Bull and will drive alongside Max Verstappen.
It has previously been claimed that the Frenchman's performances will decide whether he is kept on for 2027.
George Russell
Back in October, Russell signed a new deal with Mercedes, and as per ESPN, the deal will run out in 2026.
However, it has previously been revealed that the Brit has a clause in his deal that could guarantee him a seat for 2027.
Russell said: "It is something I haven't actually said publicly, but the deal is, if I'm performing [in 2026], we have a specific clause that if I reach [a target], we will automatically renew for 2027."
Kimi Antonelli
The young Italian was confirmed for 2026 at the same time as Russell and when asked if he is secured for 2027, he was unsure.
Antonelli said: "To be honest, I don't know — I race year by year, and the goal is always to deliver the best result possible. The team obviously wants to work with me also in the future, not only next year, but I need to perform as well."
Franco Colapinto
After a mixed season in 2025, Argentine star Colapinto will have to produce his best to secure a seat for 2027.
The 22-year-old has the tough test of trying to beat teammate Pierre Gasly.
Full list of contract situations as per ESPN:
Lewis Hamilton - Multi-year
Charles Leclerc - Multi-year
Lando Norris - Multi-year
Oscar Piastri - Multi-year
Max Verstappen - 2028
Isack Hadjar - 2026
Fernando Alonso - 2026
Lance Stroll - Unknown
Carlos Sainz - Multi-year
Alexander Albon - Multi-year
George Russell - 2026
Kimi Antonelli - 2026
Pierre Gasly - 2028
Franco Colapinto - 2026
Arvid Lindblad - 2026
Liam Lawson - 2026
Sergio Perez - Multi-year
Valtteri Bottas - Multi-year
Nico Hulkenberg - Multi-year
Gabriel Bortoleto - Multi-year
Oliver Bearman - Multi-year
Esteban Ocon - Multi-year
Topics: Formula 1
Marcus Chan