F1 2026 driver line-ups: Who’s on the grid?

The 2026 F1 driver line-up is almost complete as Formula 1 enters a bold new era with one of the most comprehensive regulation changes the sport has ever seen, plus the arrival of multiple new manufacturers.

With just Red Bull and Racing Bulls yet to finalise their pairings, most of the 2026 grid has now fallen into place, from Lewis Hamilton’s second season in red to the reigning Constructors’ Champions McLaren. 

Here’s a full rundown of every confirmed Formula 1 driver and team for the 2026 season.

Key takeaways

• Nine of the 11 F1 teams have confirmed their 2026 driver line-ups
• Red Bull and Racing Bulls are the only teams yet to announce both drivers
• Audi and Cadillac join the grid in 2026
• McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all retain their existing pairings

What is the F1 2026 driver line-up?

McLaren F1 2026 driver line-up

Lando Norris

McLaren enters 2026 with one of the strongest pairings on the grid as Lando Norris continues into his eighth season with the team. The Brit is one of the sport’s brightest prospects and has to be considered a title contender heading into F1’s new rules.

Oscar Piastri

Alongside Norris, Oscar Piastri remains under a long-term contract with McLaren that runs through 2026. Having topped the standings for much of 2025, the Australian has established himself as a mainstay at the front of the F1 pack.

Ferrari F1 2026 driver line-up

Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc’s long-term deal keeps him at Ferrari until at least 2029, and the Monégasque will be aiming to make full use of a reset ahead of the new regulations.

Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time world champion returns for his second season with the Scuderia, and he’ll no doubt be searching for that elusive eighth title.

Red Bull F1 2026 driver line-up

Max Verstappen

Despite speculation linking him with Mercedes, Max Verstappen will remain at Red Bull for 2026 as part of his long-term deal running until at least 2028. With four titles already to his name, Verstappen will be aiming to get Red Bull back to the front in the new era of regulations.

Isack Hadjar

After less than a season with Red Bull, the departing Yuki Tsunoda makes way for Isack Hadjar, whose consistent results and Zandvoort podium in his rookie campaign earned him a seat alongside Max Verstappen for 2026.

Mercedes F1 2026 driver line-up

George Russell

After an unusually long wait, George Russell remains with Mercedes for a fifth consecutive season, having signed a contract extension of unspecified length. As the new de facto team leader at Brackley, Russell will be aiming to return the Silver Arrows to title contention under the new ruleset.

Kimi Antonelli

Having impressed in his rookie season, Italian prodigy Kimi Antonelli will stay with Mercedes next year. The 19-year-old’s promotion in 2025 proved Toto Wolff’s faith was well placed, and the Antonelli–Russell pairing could be a potent one in a new generation of cars.

Aston Martin F1 2026 driver line-up

Fernando Alonso

The most experienced driver on the 2026 F1 grid returns for a fourth season with Aston Martin. With Honda engines powering the team from next year, Alonso will hope his persistence at the Silverstone team pays off.

Lance Stroll

Lance Stroll also stays on for a fifth consecutive season with Aston Martin, continuing his partnership with Alonso. With Adrian Newey’s influence behind the scenes, the team could make a leap forward in 2026.

READ MORE: 2026 F1 calendar

Alpine F1 2026 driver line-up

Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly’s long-term commitment to Alpine provides much-needed stability after a turbulent few years. The Frenchman’s consistency and leadership will be key as Alpine navigates the new technical era.

Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto is the latest confirmed 2026 F1 driver, securing a new deal with Alpine after a tricky debut season. Having beaten Paul Aron to the full-time seat, Colapinto now has the chance to establish himself in F1.

Haas F1 2026 driver line-up

Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon remains with Haas for a second season after solid performances in his first year with the team. Ocon will aim to push the American outfit further up the midfield.

Oliver Bearman

British driver Oliver Bearman retains his seat after some promising late season results. Bearman will look to build on his early success and establish himself as a viable Hamilton successor at Ferrari.

Racing Bulls F1 2026 driver line-up

Liam Lawson

After a tricky start to 2025 with Red Bull, Liam Lawson found his feet once again at Racing Bulls in a consistent run of results. That has resulted in the team retaining Lawson for 2026. 

Arvid Lindblad

Multiple F2 race winner Arvid Lindblad will make the step up to F1 with Racing Bulls in 2026, having impressed those in the Red Bull driver programme sufficiently to secure the biggest contract in his career. 

Williams F1 2026 driver line-up

Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz’s experience has proven invaluable for the Grove-based team in its resurgence back up to the top of F1.

Alex Albon

Sainz is partnered for a second year by Alex Albon who continues for a fifth season with Williams. With one of the midfield’s most solid line-ups and James Vowles’ systematic approach, Williams could be a dark horse under the new regulations.

Audi F1 2026 driver line-up

Nico Hülkenberg

Nico Hülkenberg continues with the team as it transitions from Sauber to the full Audi works outfit. His experience will be vital in guiding the manufacturer through its debut season.

Gabriel Bortoleto

After an impressive rookie campaign, Gabriel Bortoleto remains with the team in its first year under the Audi name and could be one to capitalise under the new rules.

Cadillac F1 2026 driver line-up

Sergio Pérez

After a year out of F1, Sergio Pérez makes his return with newcomer Cadillac. The Mexican driver’s experience will be crucial for the American outfit as it establishes itself in Formula 1.

Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas brings more than 200 race starts to Cadillac, offering a safe pair of hands for the new team. The experienced pairing will provide the new American entry with strong foundations from which to launch from in 2026.

F1 2026 driver line-up FAQs

Who are the 2026 Red Bull drivers?

Max Verstappen is confirmed to stay with Red Bull, while his 2026 team-mate is yet to be announced.

Who are the 2026 F1 rookies?

No rookies have been confirmed yet, though Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad could make his debut with Racing Bulls.

Which British drivers are on the 2026 F1 grid?

Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oliver Bearman will represent Great Britain in Formula 1 in 2026.

What new teams are joining F1 in 2026?

Audi and Cadillac both enter the Formula 1 grid in 2026, taking the total number of teams to 11.

TICKETS: Watch the 2026 F1 drivers racing at the British Grand Prix