F1 Drivers 2026

Welcome to GPblog’s F1 drivers page. Here you will find a complete overview of all Formula 1 drivers competing in the 2026 season. You can also find the latest championship standings, as well as profiles of Max Verstappen and every other driver, including results and the latest F1 news.

Compared to the 2025 season, the 2026 Formula 1 grid has remained largely unchanged. Given the timing, that is no surprise. A completely new set of technical regulations has been introduced for 2026, bringing major changes to both the chassis and the power units. A new generation of Formula 1 cars comes with a high level of uncertainty, as such regulation changes often lead to significant shifts in the competitive order. Many teams and drivers have therefore opted for stability, allowing them to assess their position before committing to long-term decisions.

The biggest change is the number of drivers on the grid. A new eleventh team joins Formula 1 in 2026: Cadillac. The American team has signed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its race drivers, with Zhou Guanyu as reserve driver. Meanwhile, Sauber has officially transitioned into Audi. The team’s line-up remains unchanged, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto continuing to race for the team led by Jonathan Wheatley.

Of the ten teams that were already on the grid in 2025, only two have made driver changes, both of them Red Bull teams. Red Bull Racing has moved Yuki Tsunoda to a test and reserve role for 2026. His seat alongside Max Verstappen is taken by Isack Hadjar. Hadjar’s place is filled by 18-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad, who joins Liam Lawson.

Lewis Hamilton made the move to Ferrari in 2025 but experienced a difficult first season. Midway through the year, he even suggested the team should consider replacing him. Despite those challenges, the seven-time world champion remains with Ferrari in 2026 alongside Charles Leclerc. At Mercedes, the driver line-up also remains unchanged despite ongoing rumours surrounding Verstappen. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have reportedly both signed multi-year contracts. Reigning champions McLaren continue with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with both drivers expected to stay beyond 2026.

Williams enjoyed a strong 2025 season with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz and aims to build on that in 2026. With two experienced drivers and team principal James Vowles, the team is well positioned to continue that progress.

Lance Stroll will once again race for Aston Martin in 2026. As the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, his position within the team remains secure. Fernando Alonso continues as his teammate, in what could potentially be his final season in Formula 1.

Haas heads into the new era with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. Ocon brings significant experience from multiple teams, while Bearman is widely regarded as a future title contender. Pierre Gasly remains under contract at Alpine for the long term, while his teammate position was uncertain for some time. The team ultimately selected Franco Colapinto, who is expected to attract strong interest from South America.

The FIA has introduced a new set of regulations for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Both the chassis and power unit rules have been significantly revised. The cars are smaller and lighter, which should improve agility and promote overtaking. Movable front and rear wings replace the DRS system, aiming to provide more grip where drivers currently lack it. Overall downforce and drag have been reduced significantly, and the 18-inch Pirelli tyres have been made narrower.

From 2026 onwards, Formula 1 uses a new power unit with a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power. The engine runs on a new advanced sustainable fuel, which is not expected to negatively impact performance. The hybrid system has been simplified with the removal of the MGU-H, while the MGU-K output has been increased from 120 kW to 350 kW.

Several new terms have also been introduced. The overtake mode replaces DRS. Drivers within one second of the car ahead can use it to gain extra power for overtaking. This can be deployed in a single burst or spread across a lap.

Boost mode is another new tool, allowing drivers to deploy energy from the Energy Recovery System (ERS). It can be used both offensively and defensively, delivering maximum power from both the engine and battery anywhere on the circuit.

Finally, there is recharge. Drivers can replenish their battery using energy recovered under braking, when lifting off the throttle at the end of straights and through corners.