The 2026 Formula 1 season is starting to take shape. With regulation changes on the horizon and the driver market already in motion, teams are locking in their line-ups early. Some pairings are stable. Others are wide open.
Here’s a breakdown of where each team stands with what’s confirmed, what’s not, and what could still change as we head into the summer break.
Red Bull
Confirmed: Max Verstappen (contract to 2028)
TBC: Second seat
Verstappen confirmed his stay with Red Bull before the Hungarian Grand Prix, choosing stability after brief talks with Mercedes although signs are pointing to a look at options again for the current World Champion this time next year as part of the confirmation of continuing with Red Bull.
Isack Hadjar is emerging as the favourite for the second seat. His performances at Racing Bulls have impressed Helmut Marko. With Honda no longer backing Yuki Tsunoda, Hadjar may have a clearer path. However, team boss Laurent Mekies has worked closely with Tsunoda, so he remains a strong candidate.
Liam Lawson is also in contention. Hadjar looks like the logical option, but the second Red Bull seat brings major pressure. Some fans think it might be better for him to wait.
Mercedes
TBC: George Russell (expected to stay)
TBC: Andrea Kimi Antonelli (expected to stay)
Neither driver is officially confirmed, but both are likely to remain. Russell’s current deal runs through 2025. Antonelli joined as Hamilton’s replacement.
Because both drivers came through Mercedes’ junior ranks, the team still manages their contracts. A short-term extension is likely potentially a one-plus-one deal for Russell and a single-year for Antonelli. That setup would keep future options open.
Toto Wolff has said both drivers are under internal control. Expect formal announcements before the end of the season.
Ferrari
Confirmed: Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton (multi-year deals)
Ferrari has one of the strongest pairings on the grid. Leclerc re-signed in early 2024. Hamilton joined on a two-year deal with an extension option that runs through 2026.
There are questions about how the pairing will hold up under title pressure. But despite outside speculation, neither Hamilton nor Ferrari has indicated a desire to part ways with the focus inside Marenello about getting back to winning ways in 2026.
McLaren
Confirmed: Lando Norris (multi-year), Oscar Piastri (contract beyond 2026)
McLaren locked down their line-up early. Both drivers have won races in 2025 and helped secure the team’s first constructors’ title in more than 20 years in 2024 and are looking odds on to repeat that success in 2025.
They’re the benchmark heading into 2026. A title battle could test their dynamic, but with few top-tier seats open elsewhere, they’re expected to stay put.
Aston Martin
Confirmed: Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll
Alonso is contracted through 2026. Stroll’s deal is open-ended, but his seat is safe under Lawrence Stroll’s ownership.
With Adrian Newey joining and Honda engines on the way, the team is building toward a serious title push. The current line-up brings experience but may not be the quickest. Yuki Tsunoda could join as a reserve, especially with Honda’s history of driver influence. The pairing is likely to stay unchanged for now.
Audi (currently Sauber)
Confirmed: Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi’s first line-up combines experience and youth. Hülkenberg brings knowledge and consistency. Bortoleto has grown stronger since stepping up from F2.
With a recent podium for Hülkenberg and visible improvement from Bortoleto, expectations are rising fast, especially given the improvements under new team principle Jonathan Wheatley evident as the changeover gathers pace and they change into a works team for 2026.
Cadillac
TBC: Two seats available
Cadillac enters with a clean slate. Sergio Perez is the most likely candidate, with significant Telmex sponsorship behind him. Valtteri Bottas is another strong option.
The team has also spoken with Mick Schumacher, Jak Crawford, and Colton Herta pretty much anyone with a super licence although Herta may well have an issue with super licence points ruling him out. A late surprise isn’t off the table. Expect announcements later in the season especially around Austin time with he current money on Checo and Bottas.
Alpine
Confirmed: Pierre Gasly
TBC: Second seat
Gasly stays put. The other seat is still up in the air. Jack Doohan started 2025 but was dropped after five races. Franco Colapinto took over but is under pressure following a crash in Hungary testing.
Following the summer break Doohan could return. Paul Aron might also get a shot before the year ends. Alpines new technical engine alliance with Mercedes means an external option may emerge too with the 2026 second Alpine seat one of the most open on the grid.
Haas
Confirmed: Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon
Bearman has impressed in his rookie season and keeps his place. Ocon joined from Alpine, bringing experience.
It’s a balanced line-up. Keeping team harmony will be key, given Ocon’s sometimes rocky history.
Racing Bulls
TBC: Two seats available
Red Bull controls all four seats across its teams. The junior squad remains unsettled.
Hadjar is likely to move up. Tsunoda could shift into a reserve role, or exit the system entirely. Lawson is gaining traction, especially with support from Ford, Red Bull’s future engine partner.
Arvid Lindblad is a wild card but his stock is rising fast. He’s already racing in F2 and could get promoted if Red Bull wants to make an aggressive move.
Expect clarity later this year but my money is on a Lindblad promotion.
Williams
Confirmed: Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz
Williams is building serious momentum. Sainz arrives on a multi-year deal after leaving Ferrari. Albon’s deal also runs through 2026.
The team is investing in upgrades and using Mercedes engines. James Vowles is setting high targets for next season. With both drivers locked in, Williams can now focus on climbing the grid.
Follow Coffee Corner Motorsport for full driver market coverage as the 2026 F1 grid continues to take shape.