P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1’s 2026 silly season could be chaotic with a majority of drivers on the grid out of contract at the end of the year.
The 2026 Formula 1 season’s silly season is predicted to be chaotic due to the majority of drivers on the grid being out of contract by the end of that year. While Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have secured their futures beyond 2026, many other drivers face uncertainty. Eleven drivers, including George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, and Fernando Alonso, are set to be free agents at the end of 2026, making for a potentially active driver market. With brand new regulations coming into play in 2026, there could be significant shifts in the competitive order, leading to unexpected changes in team line-ups. The movements of top drivers like Hamilton will heavily influence the driver market’s dynamics, with potential retirements or team switches shaking up the grid. Ultimately, the 2026 season could see major surprises and reshuffles, keeping fans and teams alike on their toes.
