Verstappen to Mercedes, Russell at Red Bull: the 2026 grid
Max Verstappen will be driving for Mercedes next season. The Dutchman will replace George Russell, who in turn takes the vacated spot at Red Bull Racing.
Premature? Most certainly, but not unrealistic, as the silly season in Formula 1 is in full swing. With all the rumours you hear every day, GPblog lines up what the Formula 1 grid could look like in 2026.
McLaren
No one seems to doubt that Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris will win the F1 world title in 2025, while the other finishes second. The duo does not need to worry about being sidelined after the current year. McLaren will have the same drivers in '26 as they do now.
Ferrari
Would Lewis Hamilton, after a disappointing debut season at Ferrari, think: 'It's been good, I'm quitting'? Nothing is impossible, but it appears that the British ex-champion will see out his lucrative contract. If Hamilton cannot find the speed again in '26, then it will indeed be the end. Of course, Charles Leclerc stays with Ferrari in '26, as he is a child of the team.
Red Bull Racing
For months there has been speculation about the future, and yes, it is happening: Max Verstappen is leaving Red Bull Racing. The Dutchman has lost faith in the technical department of the Austrian team.
In search of a successor, Red Bull turns to George Russell, who lost his spot at Mercedes. The Brit will have a compatriot as a teammate, namely Arvid Lindblad. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko is a big fan of Lindblad, and why let the youngster first drive at Racing Bulls when he can also mature at Red Bull.
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Mercedes
A year after Lewis Hamilton's departure, Mercedes once again has an (ex-)world champion in its ranks. Max Verstappen comes over from Red Bull Racing, seeking peace at Mercedes - a team he believes gives him a better chance at his fifth title.
Verstappen is the absolute team leader, with the talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli by his side. Mercedes sees him as a future champion, so investment in the Italian continues in 2026.
Aston Martin
With Adrian Newey on board as technical chief, Fernando Alonso gets a last chance at the world title. In the season before his retirement from Formula 1, the Spaniard starts with Lance Stroll as his teammate. But if the Canadian has a difficult start to the season, it's not impossible that he stops immediately. Yuki Tsunoda, the reserve driver for Aston Martin, would then take his place.
Alpine
Valtteri Bottas returns to the F1 grid after a year on the sidelines. The Finn is the experienced driver the French team has long sought, after experiments with young talents (Franco Colapinto, Jack Doohan) failed. For Alpine, it's an advantage that Bottas brings a lot of experience from Mercedes, the engine supplier from 2026. Beside him, Pierre Gasly remains.
Audi
Nico Hulkenberg doesn't have to worry about the future after his podium in 2025. Of course, the German stays in the first season of Audi in Formula 1 with the team formerly known as Sauber, as Gabriel Bortoleto has also made enough impression to get a second season.
Williams
Team principal James Vowles was thrilled to have Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz under contract, and the veterans will continue for the coming years. Williams is not yet thinking about the world title in '26, but with experienced drivers, the British team hopes to compete for podium positions. In short, Albon and Sainz are firmly in their seats.
Racing Bulls
Unfortunate for Isack Hadjar. The youngster had hoped to make a move to Red Bull Racing, but the Austrians do not see him as a potential champion - they do in Arvid Lindblad. So no promotion for the Frenchman, but another season at Racing Bulls. There, Hadjar can attract attention from other teams for 2027. Liam Lawson, for lack of better, is again his teammate in '26.
Haas
There was no interest in Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon during the silly season. The two drivers remain with Haas, which is satisfied with the duo - a mix of young and experienced.
Cadillac
Is there not a rookie in Formula 1 in 2026? Certainly, there is, and his name is Alex Palou! After winning everything in IndyCar, the Spaniard finally gets the chance to participate in F1. Moreover, because of his history in the US, he is a magnet for American sponsors. In short, a win-win for Palou and Cadillac.
As a teammate, the IndyCar champion gets Sergio Perez, who returns after a year off - mainly thanks to his experience and the considerable sponsorship money he brings.
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