The 2026 Formula 1 grid is now fully confirmed, featuring several teams maintaining their current driver line-ups while others introduce new faces. Fans can expect shifts in dynamics as teams prepare for significant regulation changes that could reshape competitive order.
McLaren retains Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, continuing their successful partnership. Norris, entering his seventh season with McLaren, surpassed David Coulthard’s record of 150 races with the team in 2025. Piastri, fresh from a challenging season, is poised to contest Norris again without a designated lead driver, under the guidance of Team Principal Andrea Stella, who has led the team since 2022.
Mercedes confirmed George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli as their drivers. Russell, with two wins last season and a fourth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship, teams with Antonelli, who scored multiple podiums. Mercedes aims to regain dominance lost after the regulation shifts in 2022, with Toto Wolff leading the team since 2013.
Red Bull’s next season brings change with Max Verstappen staying, paired with Isack Hadjar promoted from Racing Bulls. Hadjar impressed during his debut with a podium at Zandvoort. Team Principal Laurent Mekies faces the challenge of managing a new driver pairing and transitioning to Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Ferrari sticks with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, seeking a turnaround from a winless 2025. Hamilton’s first season with the team was difficult, while Leclerc faced frustration despite wins at Monaco and Monza last year. Fred Vasseur continues as Team Principal amid high expectations for improved performance under new regulations.
Williams maintains Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, celebrating a strong fifth-place finish in the Teams’ Championship. Both drivers bring experience from top teams, contributing to Williams’ best result since 2017. James Vowles leads the team into his first full regulatory era as Team Principal.
Racing Bulls introduce rookie Arvid Lindblad alongside Liam Lawson. Lindblad, making the step up from Formula 2, will be only 18 at the Australian season opener in March. Alan Permane, newly promoted, faces the task of managing the young talent.
Other line-ups include Aston Martin with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, Haas with Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, and Alpine with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Notably, Cadillac enters F1 as a new team with veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, powered by Ferrari engines and led by Graeme Lowdon.
Below is a summary of key teams and drivers for next season:
1. McLaren: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri (TP: Andrea Stella)
2. Mercedes: George Russell, Kimi Antonelli (TP: Toto Wolff)
3. Red Bull: Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar (TP: Laurent Mekies)
4. Ferrari: Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton (TP: Fred Vasseur)
5. Williams: Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz (TP: James Vowles)
6. Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad (TP: Alan Permane)
7. Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll (TP: Adrian Newey)
8. Haas: Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman (TP: Ayao Komatsu)
9. Alpine: Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto (TP: TBC)
10. Audi (formerly Kick Sauber): Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto (TP: Jonathan Wheatley)
11. Cadillac: Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez (TP: Graeme Lowdon)
As the new season approaches, the blend of experienced veterans and rising stars under fresh management highlights a competitive and evolving field. The upcoming regulations set the stage for an intriguing battle across the grid.
Read more at: www.formula1.com
