This is the confirmed Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season so far

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? Currently, Red Bull's focus appears to be mainly on Isack Hadjar. The French-Algerian has impressed at Racing Bulls and has already worked with Laurent Mekies. However, this has not yet been confirmed. 

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.

After many months of speculation and talk, Mercedes finally made it official and signed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season.

Toto Wolff has repeatedly expressed great satisfaction with his current driver lineup of Russell and Antonelli, but the official confirmation continued to be prolonged, posing plenty of questions.

However, before the 2025 United States Grand Prix, the wait was finally over, and contract renewals for the pair were given.

McLaren boasts two top talents in F1 in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who were both confirmed for next season earlier in 2025, with their pair of them currently locked in a fascinating battle for the World Championship.

The papaya-coloured team sealed back-to-back constructors’ championship titles for the first time since 1991 at the Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting their dominance by taking the title with six races remaining.

Another team that had no questions regarding their 2026 driver lineup was 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.

Pierre Gasly is well settled in the Alpine team, so he has nothing to worry about for 2026.

As for Colapinto, the news had been in the air for several weeks, but now it’s official: the Argentine driver will continue to be Gasly’s teammate next season, with Alpine choosing stability ahead of the major technical and regulatory revolution set to take place in just a few months.  

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.

The future lineup of Racing Bulls perhaps remains the biggest question mark over a team going into 2026. However, 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.

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.

It has been a hugely impressive year for the British team, with Sainz sealing a P3 finish and an impressive podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as expectation grows for next season.

From 2026, Sauber will appear as Audi on the Formula 1 grid, with the German manufacturer making its debut in F1.

But while the team's branding changes, the same does not apply to the driver line-up. This will again consist of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto next year.

Cadillac will make its debut on the Formula 1 grid as the eleventh team in 2026, meaning two additional seats on the grid became available.

GPblog previously reported that Valtteri Bottas reached an agreement with the American team, with this website also reporting that the chance is very small that Sergio Pérez will join Cadillac.

That became official in August, with the Finn and the Mexican returning to the grid after a year's hiatus, giving Cadillac a very experienced duo going into their debut season.