Over half of the 2025 grid will be returning next year (Image: Formula 1 via Getty)
As the 2025 season commences in Australia, one might expect all attention to be focused on the upcoming season and this weekend’s race. Yet, there is already chatter about the 2026 grid.
With two new teams entering the fray and promising young drivers rising from , it seems only natural that next season is already a topic of conversation. Not only will there be a landmark shift in regulations with a completely new aerodynamic system and power unit, but the grid will also expand to 11 teams. This comes after Cadillac were to join earlier this month. There’s certainly no room for complacency in F1, and team bosses are already strategising their next moves. With that in mind, here’s what we know so far about the 2026 lineup…
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Ferrari
The Scuderia have been making headlines for the past few months leading up to the 2025 season. With seven-time world champion joining the ranks, much attention has been directed towards the team and how his relationship with Charles Leclerc will develop.
secured second place in the 2024 constructors’ championship and will be aiming for the top spot in the coming seasons. It’s reasonable to assume that Hamilton may need some time to acclimate to a new team after a 12-year stint at .
If the 2025 season is viewed as a ‘settling in’ period, then all energies will be channelled towards clinching victory in 2026. Hamilton, who is reportedly tied to the team for two years, could see that as his final opportunity to achieve F1 glory and will undoubtedly be keen to make a lasting impression in his final year.
Leclerc is steadily inching closer to his maiden championship, having finished second in 2022 and third in 2024. He enjoys the sustained support of his team, having extended his contract for multiple years in 2024.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc form a formidable parternship (Image: Getty)
Red Bull
In recent years, have emerged as the dominant force, with setting his sights on his fifth consecutive championship in the 2025 season. While Verstappen’s place in the team is secured until 2028, the second spot for 2026 remains up in the air.
Liam Lawson will be vying for the position but will need to prove his mettle this year. His contract with only covers the 2025 season, so the stakes are high.
The team ended up third in the 2024 constructors’ championship and have consistently faced issues with their second driver over the years, with and both facing difficulties before . In the coming seasons, team principal will be striving to overcome this hurdle.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are here to stay (Image: Formula 1 via Getty)
McLaren
are all set for the 2026 season with a fully confirmed lineup, featuring two of the most thrilling drivers on the grid – Australian Oscar Piastri and Brit . The duo led the team to victory in the constructors’ championship in 2024.
The next goal is to see one of their drivers crowned world champion in the coming years. Norris has committed to the team until 2027, while Piastri signed a multi-year extension ahead of his home Grand Prix this weekend. Both drivers are entering the prime of their careers, making 2026 a year where they will either be vying for or defending the title.
Mercedes
, on the other hand, currently have no confirmed drivers for the 2026 season. Contracts for and Kimi Antonelli are due to expire at the end of the 2025 season.
After his impressive performances in 2024 for the Silver Arrows, Russell is expected to be offered a contract extension, provided he maintains his form this year. Eighteen-year-old Antonelli joins the grid after finishing sixth in F2 last season, boasting two race victories and three podiums. The upcoming years could see challenging for podiums and aiming to reclaim their top spot in the sport with their promising young talent.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin harbour grand ambitions to progress and start competing for podiums and potentially titles within the next decade. For the 2026 season, both drivers have been confirmed.
Fernando Alonso has secured a contract extension, committing him to the team until the end of next year. Team owner Lawrence Stroll has made strategic recruitment moves, including the appointment of esteemed aerodynamics expert Adrian Newey.
, Lawrence’s son, is expected to remain with the team for several years. Although Stroll has faced challenges throughout his career, there is potential for him to gain confidence and potentially contend for podiums in 2026.
Alpine
In recent seasons, Alpine have adopted a distinctly patriotic approach, with French drivers and representing the only French team on the grid. Following Ocon’s departure to Haas, Gasly remains the sole French driver.
Ocon’s replacement, 22-year-old Jack Doohan, has joined the team on a one-year contract. After finishing third in F2 in 2023, the Australian has served as Alpine’s reserve driver for the past two seasons.
However, doubts have already emerged regarding his position after Franco Colapinto was signed to take over his reserve role. Alpine are set to undergo a technical overhaul in 2026, with the goal of finishing within the top five over the next two seasons – a target Gasly deems “achievable”.
Jack Doohan has work to do to secure his spot (Image: Formula 1 via Getty)
Haas
Haas, like many other teams, are already looking ahead to 2026 despite the 2025 season having yet to commence. After several challenging years on the grid, marked by difficulties with certain drivers, they’ve committed to two drivers who could potentially propel them towards a top-half finish.
Promising British driver Oliver Bearman has secured a multi-year contract, ensuring his participation in the 2026 grid. Last season saw Bearman compete in three F1 races, once for and twice for Haas, finishing 18th in the constructor’s championship with seven points.
He will be joined by one-time race winner Ocon as part of Haas’ ambition to become more independent, although they will continue as a customer in 2026.
Williams
Williams have openly expressed their strategy for the upcoming seasons, indicating a willingness to sacrifice their 2025 performance to adequately gear up for 2026. Alonso even suggested that Williams could be a team to watch when the regulation changes come into effect.
The team is committed to and Albon, two seasoned drivers eager to make their mark. Despite potential challenges in 2025, Williams could be set for significant achievements in 2026.
James Vowles is over the moon to have Sainz and Albon at Williams (Image: AFP via Getty)
Racing Bulls
The feeder team have yet to confirm their drivers for 2026. The current line-up for 2025 includes last year’s F2 runner-up Isack Hadjar and .
The team’s focus for the following year is to climb further up the midfield rankings and nurture young talent. Given the uncertainty surrounding Tsunoda, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a fresh face join the team in 2026.
Audi
Audi are one of two new Formula One teams set to join the grid in 2026, taking over from Kick Sauber (formerly Alfa Romeo). The confirmed drivers for Audi are experienced racer Niko Hulkenberg and Brazilian Gabriel Bortoletto.
They are gearing up to roll out their own power unit with an eye on the future, aspiring to be a front-running supplier from 2026. They aim to carve out a long-standing place on the grid for decades, while also setting sights on rising to competitive levels within half a decade. For them, the 2026 season is all about trial and error, fine-tuning their approach and acclimatising to the high-octane world of Formula One.
The likes of Lawson and Tsunoda will need to earn their 2026 place (Image: Getty)
Cadillac
It was announced on March 7 that the legendary Cadillac brand have secured a spot to compete in Formula One , expanding the roster to include an 11th team for the first time in a decade. It takes the total of drivers on the grid to 22.
Graeme Lowdon, their team principal, emphasised their recruitment strategy with clarity, saying “hiring on merit and having a US driver are entirely compatible objectives for the team”. This assertion leaves us in no doubt – we can expect at least one American behind the wheel.
The rumour mill churns with anticipation, speculating that Indycar sensation Colton Herta, who impressively clinched second place last year, could very well be the top pick for one of the coveted slots. Among other notable names being tossed into the mix for the second seat are , Valtteri Bottas and .