The 2026 Formula 1 grid is now complete as the sport enters a bold new era with sweeping regulation changes and the arrival of new manufacturers. With Red Bull and Racing Bulls finalising their line-ups, teams across the paddock have confirmed their drivers for what promises to be a season of intense competition.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls Complete Their Pairings
Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull as the Dutchman aims to extend his championship tally under the new rules. Yuki Tsunoda will serve as Red Bull’s Test and Reserve Driver, while Isack Hadjar steps up to Red Bull for a full-time race seat. Liam Lawson alongside F2 talent Arvid Lindblad rare set to race for the Racing Bulls team.
McLaren Retain Championship Contenders
McLaren enters 2026 with one of the strongest line-ups on the grid. Lando Norris continues into his eighth season, paired with Oscar Piastri who remains under contract through 2026. Both drivers are expected to challenge at the front as the team looks to defend its Constructors’ title and adapt to the new technical regulations.
Ferrari and Mercedes Hold Steady
Ferrari have confirmed Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as their 2026 drivers. Leclerc’s long-term contract runs until 2029, while Hamilton returns for his second season with the Scuderia, seeking an elusive eighth Drivers’ Championship.
Mercedes will run George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, with Russell taking the lead role after securing a contract extension and Antonelli building on a promising rookie season. The duo will aim to return the Silver Arrows to title contention in the new generation of cars.
Aston Martin, Alpine and Haas Confirm Their Seats
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll remain at Aston Martin for a fourth and fifth consecutive season respectively, benefitting from Adrian Newey’s leadership and a switch to Honda power.
Alpine have locked in Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, giving the team stability after a turbulent period. Colapinto secured his seat after an impressive debut season, providing the French outfit with a mix of experience and youth.
Haas will field Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, continuing a line-up that showed promise in 2025. Both drivers are expected to push the American team further up the midfield in 2026.
Williams, Audi and Cadillac Join the Grid
Williams retain Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, forming a solid midfield pairing with James Vowles’ strategic guidance.
Audi, transitioning from Sauber, will run Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto in its debut season, relying on Hulkenberg’s experience and Bortoleto’s rookie pace to establish themselves.
Newcomer Cadillac enters F1 with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, bringing a combination of experience and stability to the American outfit.
The Complete 2026 F1 Driver Line-Up
| Team | Drivers |
|---|---|
| McLaren | Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda (Reserve) |
| Racing Bulls | Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson |
| Mercedes | George Russell, Kimi Antonelli |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman |
| Williams | Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon |
| Audi | Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Cadillac | Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas |
With the grid now fully confirmed, 2026 promises high stakes and thrilling races as teams adapt to the new regulations, new manufacturers battle for points, and established drivers look to cement their legacies in F1’s next chapter.
Here you can read about F1 2025 driver contracts and standings.
