Formula 1 driver transfers and team principal changes

Valtteri Bottas has officially signed a multi-year contract to join the new Cadillac F1 team, securing his seat through the 2027 season. Max Verstappen has also committed his long-term future to Red Bull Racing with a contract extension until 2030. Additionally, Laurent Mekies has been confirmed as the Team Principal for Red Bull for the 2026 season following leadership shifts during the summer break.

• Valtteri Bottas signs with Cadillac F1: On 30 August 2026, reports confirmed that Valtteri Bottas has signed a multi-year deal with Cadillac F1 that will keep him with the team through the end of the 2027 campaign. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Valtteri Bottas Cadillac Signing August 30, 2026
• Max Verstappen extends Red Bull contract to 2030: Max Verstappen signed a major contract extension with Red Bull Racing on 27 August 2026, committing to the team until the end of the 2030 season.
• Laurent Mekies confirmed as Red Bull Team Principal: Official team listings released on 30 August 2026 confirm Laurent Mekies as the Team Principal for Red Bull for the 2026 season, marking a significant leadership change for the team. 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Red Bull Team Principal Confirmation August 30, 2026

Alpine officially confirmed on 27 August 2026 that Franco Colapinto has signed a contract extension to remain with the team for the 2027 season alongside Pierre Gasly. Additionally, the new Cadillac F1 team has undergone a leadership change with Marcin Budkowski taking over as Team Principal, while Red Bull continues to prepare Liam Lawson for the Italian Grand Prix as Isack Hadjar recovers from injury.

• Alpine confirms Franco Colapinto for 2027: On 27 August 2026, Alpine announced they had exercised their option to retain Franco Colapinto for the 2027 season, following a strong run of performances including six top-10 finishes in the first half of the 2026 championship.
• Marcin Budkowski appointed Cadillac Team Principal: Cadillac F1 confirmed on 25 August 2026 that Marcin Budkowski has replaced Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal effective immediately, with Budkowski set to lead the team starting at the Italian Grand Prix.
• Liam Lawson remains on standby for Red Bull at Monza: Red Bull Racing confirmed on 26 August 2026 that Liam Lawson will continue to prepare with the senior team for the Italian Grand Prix; he will race if Isack Hadjar is not cleared to return from his fractured wrist. (September 6, 2026 at 16:00 GMT+3) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Italian Grand Prix (Monza) September 6, 2026 at 16:00 GMT+3

Following the Dutch Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing confirmed on 25 August 2026 that Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team to prepare for the Italian Grand Prix while Isack Hadjar continues his recovery. Gabriel Bortoleto also clarified his future by confirming a long-term contract with Audi, while new financial details emerged regarding Max Verstappen's record-breaking extension with Red Bull through 2030.

• Liam Lawson remains with Red Bull for Monza preparations: On 25 August 2026, Red Bull confirmed that Liam Lawson will continue to fill the seat alongside Max Verstappen for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix preparations as the team awaits a final medical clearance for Isack Hadjar's fractured wrist. (September 6, 2026) 📅 Calendar file (.ics) Italian Grand Prix (Monza) September 6, 2026
• Gabriel Bortoleto confirms long-term Audi contract: Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto confirmed on 25 August 2026 that his agreement with the team is a long-term deal extending "for many years" beyond the 2026 season, providing stability for the team's transition from Sauber.
• Max Verstappen's record-breaking contract extension: Following his extension with Red Bull until 2030, reports on 25 August 2026 detailed that Max Verstappen's new deal is worth an estimated $107 million per year, making him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history.

Following the Dutch Grand Prix on 23 August 2026, the Formula 1 paddock confirmed several major contract renewals and leadership changes that were not included in previous reports. Williams secured its future by re-signing both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon to multi-year deals, while the new Cadillac F1 team underwent a sudden management shift, appointing Marcin Budkowski as Team Principal. Additionally, a temporary driver reshuffle occurred over the race weekend as Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda swapped seats within the Red Bull family to cover for the injured Isack Hadjar.

• Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon renew with Williams: Williams confirmed on 19 August 2026 that both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have signed multi-year contract extensions, locking in the team's driver lineup for the 2027 season.
• Marcin Budkowski appointed Cadillac Team Principal: On 12 August 2026, the Cadillac F1 Team announced that former Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski would replace Graeme Lowdon as Team Principal with immediate effect.
• Red Bull driver reshuffle for Dutch Grand Prix: Following a wrist injury to Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull for the Dutch Grand Prix (21–23 August 2026), with reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda filling Lawson's seat at Racing Bulls.
• Cadillac F1 sale rumors: Reports on 21 August 2026 indicated that the General Motors-backed Cadillac team might be up for sale following a pointless start to its debut season and the sudden dismissal of its inaugural team principal.