Complete 2026 F1 Grid Guide: All 11 Teams & 22 Drivers

The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship marks a watershed moment for the sport. With revolutionary technical regulations introducing 50/50 hybrid power distribution, active aerodynamics replacing DRS, and sustainable fuels, the competitive order faces a complete reset. Add two new manufacturer entries-Audi and Cadillac-plus blockbuster driver moves including Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, and you have the most anticipated F1 season in decades. Here's everything you need to know about every team and driver on the 2026 grid.

McLaren: Defending the Double

Base: Woking, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: Constructors' Champions, Drivers' Champion (Norris)

#4 Lando Norris

The 2025 World Champion returns to defend his crown. Norris's maiden title came after years of near-misses, culminating in a dominant 2025 campaign with 11 victories. Now 26, the Bristol native has matured from promising rookie to McLaren's undisputed team leader. His exceptional racecraft, tire management, and qualifying pace make him a favorite for back-to-back titles as McLaren seeks to maintain their momentum through the regulation changes.

Career Stats: 11 wins, 16 poles, 44 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

#81 Oscar Piastri

McLaren's Australian star enters his fourth F1 season having proven himself as one of the sport's elite talents. With 9 career wins already, Piastri pushed Norris to the limit in 2025 and established himself as a genuine championship contender. His methodical approach to car development and ability to extract maximum performance from difficult machinery will be crucial as McLaren navigates the new technical regulations. At just 24, Piastri represents McLaren's long-term future.

Career Stats: 9 wins, 5 poles, 24 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2028

Mercedes: The Silver Arrows Strike Back

Base: Brackley, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: 4th in Constructors' Championship

#63 George Russell

Now Mercedes' undisputed team leader following Hamilton's departure, Russell enters his fifth season with the Silver Arrows. The King's Lynn native has matured into one of F1's complete drivers, combining exceptional qualifying speed with strategic racecraft. His 4 career victories and consistent points-scoring made him Mercedes' top performer in 2025. At 28, Russell carries the weight of Mercedes' championship aspirations and a substantially increased salary (£30 million annually) that reflects his status as their franchise driver.

Career Stats: 4 wins, 3 poles, 20 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2027

#12 Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes' gamble on youth continues with Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli entering his second F1 season. At just 19, Antonelli showed flashes of brilliance in his 2025 rookie campaign, justifying Mercedes' faith in fast-tracking him from junior categories. Named after Finnish champion Kimi Räikkönen, the Bologna native demonstrated exceptional natural speed and maturity beyond his years. His second season alongside Russell will be crucial for his development and Mercedes' long-term plans.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 0 podiums (2025 rookie) | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

Red Bull Racing: A New Era

Base: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: 3rd in Constructors' Championship

#1 Max Verstappen

The four-time World Champion (2021-2024) continues his Red Bull journey into a new regulatory era. While 2025 proved challenging with only sporadic victories, Verstappen remains F1's benchmark driver. At 28, the Dutch-Belgian driver has achieved everything in F1, but the 2026 regulations offer a fresh challenge to add to his legacy of 68+ career wins. His ability to extract maximum performance from difficult cars will be tested as Red Bull adapts to the new technical rules with a reshuffled driver lineup.

Career Stats: 68 wins, 40+ poles, 110+ podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2028

#22 Isack Hadjar

Red Bull promotes from within as French-Algerian racer Isack Hadjar steps up from RB after an impressive 2025 rookie season. The 21-year-old Parisian brings 2024 Formula 2 vice-championship credentials and strong junior category results. His promotion to the senior Red Bull team reflects both his talent and Red Bull's confidence in developing young drivers. Partnering Verstappen provides the ultimate learning opportunity, though the pressure of replacing Sergio Pérez is immense.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 0 podiums (2025 rookie) | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

Ferrari: The Hamilton Era Begins

Base: Maranello, Italy
2025 Performance: 2nd in Constructors' Championship

#16 Charles Leclerc

Ferrari's Monegasque star enters his seventh season with the Scuderia, now partnering his childhood hero Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc has grown from promising talent to championship contender, establishing himself as one of F1's elite drivers with exceptional qualifying pace and racecraft. His willingness to welcome Hamilton rather than fear the challenge demonstrates his confidence and maturity. At 28, Leclerc represents Ferrari's present and future, with a contract through 2029 cementing his status as a Scuderia cornerstone.

Career Stats: 7 wins, 26 poles, 38 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2029

#44 Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time World Champion makes the most significant driver move in decades, leaving Mercedes after 11 years to fulfill his childhood dream of driving for Ferrari. At 41, Hamilton brings unparalleled experience, 103+ career wins, and a relentless drive to secure a record eighth title in Ferrari red. His move electrifies the sport and adds a new dimension to Ferrari's championship ambitions. The pairing with Leclerc promises to be one of the strongest-and potentially most combustible-in F1 history.

Career Stats: 103 wins, 104 poles, 200+ podiums | 2026 Contract: Multi-year

Williams: Sainz Leads the Revival

Base: Grove, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: 9th in Constructors' Championship

#23 Alex Albon

Williams' Thai-British driver continues his impressive tenure with the Grove team, now entering his fourth season. Albon has been instrumental in Williams' gradual improvement, consistently extracting maximum performance from difficult machinery. His technical feedback and development work have earned him respect across the paddock. Partnering Sainz provides both a benchmark and an opportunity to elevate his game as Williams targets a return to the midfield's upper reaches.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 2 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

#55 Carlos Sainz

Ferrari's loss is Williams' gain as Carlos Sainz Jr. brings race-winning pedigree to Grove. The Spanish driver chose Williams over other suitors, betting on the team's upward trajectory and his ability to lead them back toward competitiveness. With 4 career victories and proven ability to develop cars, Sainz represents Williams' most significant driver signing in years. His experience alongside Verstappen, Norris, and Leclerc makes him ideally suited to spearhead Williams' resurgence in the new regulatory era.

Career Stats: 4 wins, 5 poles, 26 podiums | 2026 Contract: Multi-year

RB (Racing Bulls): The Feeder Team

Base: Faenza, Italy
2025 Performance: 8th in Constructors' Championship

#30 Liam Lawson

The New Zealander remains with RB after impressing in his 2025 rookie season, though his promotion to Red Bull's senior team for 2026 alongside Verstappen will test his credentials further. Lawson demonstrated composure and speed during his debut year, justifying Red Bull's faith in him. At 22, he represents Red Bull's next generation and carries New Zealand's F1 hopes. His ability to adapt quickly and deliver results under pressure will be crucial in 2026.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 0 podiums (2025 rookie) | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

#87 Arvid Lindblad

British teenager Arvid Lindblad makes his F1 debut at just 18, becoming one of the youngest drivers in F1 history. The Leeds native won the 2024 FIA Formula 3 Championship in dominant fashion, earning his Red Bull Junior Team promotion. Like Verstappen before him, Lindblad skips Formula 2, underlining Red Bull's confidence in his talent. His 2026 rookie season with RB will be crucial for his development before a potential future Red Bull Racing promotion.

Career Stats: F1 rookie for 2026 | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

Aston Martin: Stroll & Alonso Continue

Base: Silverstone, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: 5th in Constructors' Championship

#14 Fernando Alonso

The two-time World Champion (2005-2006) defies Father Time, entering his 23rd F1 season at age 44. Alonso remains remarkably competitive, continuing to extract maximum performance from the Aston Martin machinery. His experience and technical feedback are invaluable as Aston Martin navigates the new regulations. With 32 career wins and 106 podiums, the Spanish maestro shows no signs of slowing down, though 2026 may be his final season.

Career Stats: 32 wins, 22 poles, 106 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

#18 Lance Stroll

The Canadian driver continues his Aston Martin tenure, now in his tenth F1 season overall. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, Lance brings commercial stability and has shown flashes of genuine speed, particularly in wet conditions. His best results came in 2020 with a pole position in Turkey and podiums at Monza and Sakhir. At 27, Stroll faces the challenge of maximizing the new technical regulations to prove his worth beyond his family connections.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 1 pole, 3 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

Haas: Ocon & Bearman Partnership

Base: Kannapolis, United States
2025 Performance: 7th in Constructors' Championship

#31 Esteban Ocon

The French driver joins Haas after five seasons with Alpine, bringing race-winning experience and technical expertise. Ocon's 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix victory and consistent points-scoring make him Haas's most accomplished driver signing. At 28, he provides leadership and development direction as Haas seeks to establish itself as a solid midfield team. His partnership with rookie Bearman balances experience with youth.

Career Stats: 1 win, 0 poles, 4 podiums | 2026 Contract: Multi-year

#50 Oliver Bearman

British driver Oliver "Ollie" Bearman steps up after his impressive 2024-2025 performances, having already made his F1 debut as a substitute driver. The Ferrari Driver Academy graduate demonstrated maturity and pace beyond his years, earning a full-time seat for 2026. At 21, Bearman represents British talent's next generation and brings strong junior credentials including F3 and F2 success. His partnership with Ocon provides the ideal learning environment.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 0 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2027

Audi: The Works Team Arrives

Base: Hinwil, Switzerland
2025 Performance: New entry (from Sauber/Kick Sauber)

#27 Nico Hülkenberg

The German veteran continues with the team now flying Audi colors, providing crucial experience and development feedback. At 38, Hülkenberg has reinvented himself after returning to F1 in 2023 following a sabbatical. His technical knowledge and consistent point-scoring make him the ideal driver to lead Audi's debut season. With 220+ career starts, he brings depth of experience that will prove invaluable during Audi's learning curve.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 1 pole, 0 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

#25 Gabriel Bortoleto

Brazilian rising star Gabriel Bortoleto joins Audi for his second F1 season, having impressed during his 2025 rookie campaign. The São Paulo native brings strong junior credentials and Brazilian passion to Audi's project. At 21, he represents Audi's future and carries Brazil's F1 hopes following a long drought since Felipe Massa's era. His partnership with Hülkenberg provides the perfect blend of youth and experience.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 0 podiums (2025 rookie) | 2026 Contract: Through 2027

Alpine: Gasly & Colapinto

Base: Enstone, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: 6th in Constructors' Championship

#10 Pierre Gasly

Alpine's French driver enters his ninth F1 season and fourth with the Enstone team. Gasly's 2021 Italian Grand Prix victory with AlphaTauri remains one of F1's recent Cinderella stories. His consistent scoring and development work make him Alpine's team leader as they navigate the new regulations. At 30, Gasly balances experience with hunger to add to his victory tally and potentially challenge for podiums regularly.

Career Stats: 1 win, 0 poles, 4 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

#43 Franco Colapinto

Argentina's Franco Colapinto continues with Alpine after being promoted mid-2025 to replace Jack Doohan. The 22-year-old from Buenos Aires represents Argentina's first regular F1 driver since Gastón Mazzacane in 2001. His impressive performances during his 2024 Williams cameo earned him this opportunity. With strong F3 and Formula Renault credentials, Colapinto brings South American passion and promising talent to Alpine's lineup.

Career Stats: 0 wins, 0 poles, 0 podiums | 2026 Contract: Through 2026

Cadillac: America's Team Arrives

Base: Silverstone, United Kingdom
2025 Performance: New entry (11th team)

#77 Valtteri Bottas

The Finnish driver returns after a 2025 sabbatical year as Mercedes reserve driver, joining Cadillac's ambitious project. Bottas brings 10 Grand Prix victories, 67 podiums, and five years of Mercedes championship-winning experience. At 36, he provides crucial leadership and development expertise for the new American team. His technical feedback from working with Mercedes' dominance will be invaluable as Cadillac establishes its F1 operations.

Career Stats: 10 wins, 20 poles, 67 podiums | 2026 Contract: Multi-year

#11 Sergio Pérez

Mexico's hero returns after a 2025 sabbatical following his Red Bull departure, joining Cadillac with immense experience and motivation. Pérez's 6 career wins and runner-up finish in the 2023 championship demonstrate his quality. At 36, "Checo" remains hungry to prove doubters wrong and help establish Cadillac as a competitive force. His Mexican fanbase and commercial value align perfectly with F1's North American expansion. The partnership with Bottas creates F1's most experienced driver lineup.

Career Stats: 6 wins, 3 poles, 39 podiums | 2026 Contract: Multi-year

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 Formula 1 season represents the sport's biggest technical revolution since the 2014 turbo-hybrid era. The completely new regulations create an unprecedented competitive reset:

Technical Wildcards

The 50/50 hybrid power distribution (equal output from internal combustion engine and electric motor) fundamentally changes car performance characteristics. Active aerodynamics replacing DRS with "Manual Override Mode" introduces new strategic variables. Sustainable fuels and smaller, lighter cars complete the transformation. No team can be certain of their competitiveness until testing begins.

Manufacturer Muscle

Audi and Cadillac's entries bring works team resources and manufacturer prestige. History suggests new regulations favor well-resourced manufacturers who can innovate quickly. Mercedes' 2014 dominance and Red Bull's 2022 resurgence demonstrate the advantage of getting new rules right from day one.

Driver Shuffles

Hamilton to Ferrari headlines the changes, but Sainz to Williams, Lawson promoted within Red Bull, and the new team entries create fascinating new dynamics. Established drivers face pressure from talented newcomers like Antonelli, Hadjar, Lindblad, and Bearman who grew up with hybrid technology and sim racing.

Budget Cap Leveling

The cost cap continues to compress performance gaps, making development efficiency crucial. Teams that allocate resources wisely and find innovative solutions within budget constraints gain advantages. This levels the playing field between historic giants and smaller operations.

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises unpredictability, manufacturer prestige, blockbuster driver pairings, and revolutionary technology. From Melbourne's season opener on March 7 through Abu Dhabi's finale on December 6, 24 races across 5 continents will determine who masters F1's new era. Whether established champions adapt or new stars emerge, 2026 will redefine Formula 1's competitive landscape for years to come.