Ahead of what promises to be a transformative year for Formula 1, the 2026 grid is now finally confirmed. Big changes have been made to several teams, with thrilling debuts and even some exciting comebacks.
For the first time since 2016, there will be eleven teams and 22 drivers competing for championship glory when the new season starts in Australia on March 6. As a reminder, each team has two drivers, and while F1 is a team sport (to some extent, anyway), it's every man for himself when those five lights go out at the start of a race.
In this article, we're breaking down the 2026 grid with a rundown of what to expect from these teams and drivers. This is shaping up to be Formula 1's most must-watch season in as long as we can remember, but who will be standing tall when next December rolls around?
You can find the full race schedule here, along with an in-depth look at the new rules and regulations here.
McLaren
Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri enter their fourth year together as a team, coming off back-to-back Constructors' Championship wins for McLaren and a maiden Driver's Championship for Lando in 2025. It's too soon to say whether that momentum will continue in 2026.
Mercedes
George Russell & Kimi Antonelli
Following Lewis Hamilton's shocking exit at the end of the 2024 season, George Russell will continue to lead Mercedes alongside rising star Kimi Antonelli (who is only 19 years old). It was a solid debut for Antonelli last year, as he was the highest-scoring rookie on the grid.
Red Bull
Max Verstappen & Isack Hadjar
Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen dominated the previous era of Formula 1, and all eyes are on whether he can capture his fifth title in 2026 after missing out by 2 points in 2025. This year, he'll be joined by former Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar, who makes his Red Bull debut.
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton
After a challenging 2025, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari stalwart Charles Leclerc will look to turn the page and take the most iconic team on the grid back to its former success. Whatever happens, the Tifosi is sure to be behind them.
Williams
Alex Albon & Carlos Sainz
Williams is sticking with its existing line-up this year. With the team's fortunes on the rise under James Vowles' leadership, the belief is that Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz could be aiming for consistent podium finishes after Sainz secured two of them in the 2025 season.
Racing Bulls
Liam Lawson & Arvid Lindblad
Following an all-too-brief stint in Red Bull last year, Liam Lawson remains part of the Racing Bulls team. However, he'll have some company from 18-year-old British newcomer Arvid Lindblad, who makes the step up from F2 for his rookie season in Formula 1.
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll
While the driver lineup remains the same, it's all change for Aston Martin in 2026, with legendary designer Adrian Newey now serving as Team Principal. Can he bring the team, and Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, back to the podium this year?
Haas
Esteban Ocon & Ollie Bearman
The American team is sticking with Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman for the second year in a row. Ocon enters his tenth year in Formula 1, but it's Bearman who many are pegging for success in 2026, following an impressive 2025 that saw him regularly scoring points.
Audi
Nico Hulkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto
Previously known as Kick Sauber, Audi is entering the world of Formula 1 this year, with the veteran Nico Hulkenberg and former F2 World Champion Gabriel Bortoleto. This marks their second year together as teammates.
Alpine
Pierre Gasly & Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto had a difficult 2025 season as the only driver not to score any points. Still, with the veteran Pierre Gasly by his side and several celebrity investors looking to make Apline one of the top teams on the grid, following a season that saw them finish last on the grid.
Cadillac
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez
The new team on the grid for 2026, Cadillac wants to make its mark on F1. How better to do that than with former Mercedes driver, Valtteri Bottas, and former Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, as they look to step out of the shadows of previous teammates Hamilton and Verstappen?