Three champions, one big question: what will Hamilton, Alonso, and Verstappen do in 2027?
The 2026 Formula 1 season has yet to begin, but in the paddock, attention is already turning to the future. Rumors, theories, and half-spoken phrases heard in motorhomes all point to the same topic: the fate of the three multiple world champions who have defined the last two decades of F1.
Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso—three very different personalities, three opposing approaches to the sport, three careers that seem endless—are now at the center of a common question. With a revolutionary technical regulation and a championship undergoing major change, will all three still be on the grid in 2027?
It’s a question that carries weight because it concerns not only the drivers’ destinies but also the identity of Formula 1 in the years to come.
The Verstappen case: young, successful… yet tempted to leave
It almost feels strange to see Max Verstappen included among the “uncertain,” yet he himself opened the door to this possibility. At 28 years old, with four world titles and eight wins just last season, he is certainly not a driver in decline.
Still, between criticism of the new cars—dubbed “Formula E on steroids”—and a desire to spend more time with his family, the Dutchman has hinted that the future might not be so predictable. Yet one key detail remains: his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028. Before then, it is difficult to imagine him leaving.
Hamilton and Alonso: two legends, different ages, same question
The situation is different for Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Alonso will turn 45 in July, Hamilton is 41. Both have contracts expiring at the end of the season and have expressed doubts about the new cars, though in a much softer tone than Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton, however, sent a very clear message before Melbourne:
“I feel renewed, with batteries fully recharged. I have no intention of going anywhere.”
A strong, almost liberating signal.
Alonso remains more cautious. Aston Martin’s pre-season has been challenging, and he avoids making firm predictions:
“Let’s enjoy the year and see what happens. If we see a clear improvement, there will be more chances to continue.”
A realistic approach, from a veteran who knows the cycles of Formula 1 intimately.
Domenicali: “I don’t see them retiring”
Stefano Domenicali has helped put the speculations and feelings into perspective. The Formula 1 CEO does not foresee a double departure:
“They are giants of F1. I don’t see them retiring this year. They are fighters and, with the right combination of car and team, they will continue to compete at the top for a long time.”
He adds an interesting point: even if one day they do leave, Formula 1 will still be able to regenerate:
“The new generation will capture attention quickly. Today, the way people connect is different.”
Between contracts, age, new 2027 regulations, and personal feelings, the future of the three multiple champions remains an open topic. But one thing is clear: they are still the heart of Formula 1. And as long as they have a competitive car, they are unlikely to give their place to anyone else.
The potential departure of Hamilton, Alonso, and Verstappen would represent the single largest vacuum of talent and star power the sport has ever seen at once. While the 2026 regulations were designed to bring more parity and excitement, the looming shadow of the 2027 season acts as a ticking clock for the old guard to either cement their legacies in the new era or pass the torch to the rising stars like Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar. The decision for these three icons will likely come down to whether the “thrill of the chase” in these new machines outweighs the physical and mental toll of a record-breaking calendar.
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