Why the F1 driver market will be explosive in 2026

James Vowles, director of Williams F1, anticipates important movements on the pilot market … Nevertheless, but not before the end of 2026.

The Briton announced his intention to quickly start contractual negotiations with his current pilots in order to avoid any uncertainty.

Lewis Hamilton’s surprise decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari sparked a series of movements on the pilot market. Similarly, before the 2025 season. Therefore, For the next season, it is much calmer, especially since Max Verstappen confirmed that he would stay where he is.

However. Consequently, there are some interesting buckets that remain to be filled at Red Bull Racing (Hadjar holds the rope), Alpine F1 or Cadillac.

According to Vowles. Therefore, if Verstappen decides to leave Red Bull at the end of next year, the pilot market will probably be very lively! It’s up to him why f1 driver market will to hang on to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.

“I think that 2026 will mark an important new step on the pilot market. Many contracts are due to that time. And Red Bull admits that Max could look elsewhere for 2027. It could be explosive, but it will even be without Max.”

“On our side. the answer is simple: I have two pilots who believe in what we do, in terms of the longevity of the team, investments and will to reconnect with the conquest of championships.”

“My role is to make sure they are paid fairly for this course and that they also want to participate. This is what I can offer them.”

Vowles describes its current pilots as “key leaders” to determine the future orientation of Williams.

“If someone else wants to offer them double their salary, it’s their choice. I probably couldn’t why f1 driver market will line up.”

“But these are key leaders that have a direct impact on the future of the car. and on its evolution in a year – an asset that few pilots, on the whole grid, cannot obtain. They are almost treated as a distinct asset, a distinct entity that comes into play. This is what we offer them here.”

“And the second part consists in ensuring that we have discussions early enough in 2026 to define the direction I wish for the future. and instead of letting things drag until the August break. We will have to get started early because there will be jolts on the market, big tremors.”