This is the confirmed Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season so far
We are halfway through the 2025 Formula 1 season, which means attention is gradually turning to 2026. It’s the perfect time for GPblog to take a closer look at next season’s grid.
Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen & not yet confirmed
First and foremost, the most important news: Max Verstappen will continue with Red Bull Racing in 2026. The Dutchman announced during the race weekend in Hungary that he will again race for the Austrian racing team next season.
But who will take a seat next to the Dutchman? As far as GPblog knows, Yuki Tsunoda's time with the team will be over after this season. However, it is not entirely unbelievable to think that the arrival of Laurent Mekies may work in his favor. Nonetheless, the chances don't seem high.
But then who? Currently, Red Bull's focus appears to be mainly on Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman impresses at Racing Bulls and has already worked with Laurent Mekies. However, this has not yet been confirmed.
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton
In principle, Leclerc and Hamilton are expected to remain Scuderia Ferrari’s drivers next season. However, some uncertainty still surrounds Hamilton’s future.
After the Hungarian GP, the Brit made an emotional statement suggesting that Ferrari might be considering replacing him. While it’s unlikely he will be sidelined, an early retirement remains a possibility.
Mercedes
Not yet confirmed
It’s no secret that Mercedes has held talks with Max Verstappen. However, as mentioned earlier, the Dutchman has confirmed he will remain with Red Bull in 2026.
Toto Wolff has repeatedly expressed great satisfaction with his current driver lineup of George Russell and Kimi Andrea Antonelli, and he’s keen to keep both. Expect contract renewals for the pair soon — though how long those deals will last remains a mystery.
McLaren
Oscar Piastri & Lando Norris
McLaren has entered the summer break in good spirits. The team is currently contending for the Constructors’ Championship and holds a comfortable lead over its rivals. Additionally, McLaren boasts two top talents, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both confirmed for next season and currently battling for the World Championship.
Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll
Another team heading into the summer break without stress—at least regarding their driver lineup—is Aston Martin. With Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both under contract for 2026, and Adrian Newey on board as their designer, the team is well prepared for the upcoming season.
Alpine
Pierre Gasly is well settled in the Alpine team, so he has nothing to worry about for 2026. As with Red Bull, Alpine is fully focused on the second seat. Earlier this year Jack Doohan was replaced mid-way through the season by Franco Colapinto after poor performances.
Although the Argentine can finish this season, it remains to be seen whether his adventure in the premier class will continue. He has to prove himself in the upcoming races, if he wants to keep his seat.
Haas
Bearman & Ocon
Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon are not only a strong duo on the track but also generate plenty of attention on social media. Both drivers remain under contract with the American team for 2026, so they have nothing to worry about during this year’s transfer season.
However, Bearman is keeping a close eye on Ferrari and Hamilton. Should the seven-time world champion decide to leave, it could open the door for Bearman to make a move to Ferrari.
Racing Bulls
Not yet confirmed
The future lineup of Racing Bulls remains a big question mark for now. A final decision on Red Bull’s driver lineup will need to be made before clarity can come to Racing Bulls.
In principle, the main contenders are known. Yuki Tsunoda is officially in the mix, though a return to Racing Bulls seems unlikely. Current drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson remain options, and Red Bull also has rising star Arvid Lindblad ready to step up.
Williams
Alex Albon & Carlos Sainz
James Vowles has no stress about contract negotiations this summer break. Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will also drive for the British team in 2026.
Audi (Sauber)
Nico Hülkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto
From 2026, Sauber will appear as Audi on the Formula 1 grid. But while the team's branding changes, the same does not apply to the driver line-up. This will again consist of Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto next year.
Cadillac
Not yet confirmed
We’ve saved the best for last. Cadillac will make its debut on the Formula 1 grid as the eleventh team in 2026. This means there will be two additional seats available, which is great news for the highly competitive premier class.
GPblog previously reported that none other than Valtteri Bottas has reached an agreement with Cadillac's team. So from next season he will be back on the grid full-time.
This website also reported that the chance is very small that Sergio Pérez will join Cadillac. On the other hand, Felipe Drugovich, Alex Dunne and Jak Crawford do seem to be seriously on the radar.
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