The 2026 Formula One Lineups: Who looks the strongest for next year?

This Sunday saw a dramatic end to the Formula One season, with McLaren’s Lando Norris crowned Driver’s Champion for the first time after beating Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to clinch the title by just two points. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers arrived at the finale capable of winning the championship, and the first (and last) time the ground effect era of regulations has seen a title decider. With the championship decided, all eyes turn to the 2026 season where new regulations, new lineups, and even a new team hope to shake up the traditional pecking order. The confirmation of Isack Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull seals the final piece of the 2026 puzzle, so let’s take a look at the driver lineups for next year’s anticipated season.

Cadillac F1 Team, the newest and 11th team on the grid, sports perhaps the most experienced and successful driver lineup of any new team ever. Former foes Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas join forces in a partnership that has 16 Formula One wins between them. It will certainly give Cadillac a fighting start in a sport known for ruthlessly spitting out new teams.

Towards the back of the grid, Alpine continue with their 2025 driver lineup of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto in 2026. The French outfit desperately need an improvement on their dismal results this season, with the team finishing well adrift at the foot of the constructors’ standings. Likewise, Haas keep the same driver lineup, with Esteban Ocon and impressive rookie Oliver Bearman maintaining their seats. Sauber continue with Gabriel Bortoleto and veteran Nico Hulkenberg, but compete in the 2026 season under a complete rebrand. Revered motorsport manufacturer, Audi, enter the sport for the very first time and will certainly hope to build on a strong 2025 season where rookie Bortoleto impressed, and Hulkenberg achieved his first ever podium at the British Grand Prix.

Aston Martin equalled their worst finish since 2022 with a 7th place finish this year, but continue with 2-time World Champion Fernando Alonso alongside Lance Stroll as their drivers for the 2026 season. The Racing Bulls team are the first to change their lineup for 2026, with Hadjar departing for the senior team after an impressive rookie year. Liam Lawson continues with the junior Red Bull team, while Britain’s own Arvid Lindblad fills the void at the team after his success in F2 this year.

The strongest pairing this year is certainly that of Ferrari, despite their struggles in the 2025 season

One of the feel-good stories of 2025 was the success of historic brand Williams, with the team reaching heights not seen since 2016 with a 5th place finish in the standings. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon played a large part in that success and form one of the strongest pairings for the coming season. The strongest pairing this year is certainly that of Ferrari, despite their struggles in the 2025 season. An unstable and unpredictable Ferrari plagued both 8-time winner Charles Leclerc and seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, with the latter in particular struggling to adjust to his new surroundings. Leclerc will undoubtedly be a world champion in the future, and Hamilton has proven time and time again not to be counted out; if Ferrari provide the car, the drivers will deliver.

World Champions McLaren maintain their lineup of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for the 2026 season, hoping to make it three constructor’s titles in a row. Mercedes keep George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Not only do both of these teams have fantastic driver lineups for the upcoming season, but both have a Mercedes engine, which is widely speculated to be the frontrunner when the lights go out in Australia next March.

Max Verstappen’s 2026 season will bring an unwelcome return to his race number 33, rather than the number 1 the four-time world champion has become accustomed to. This season will also bring a new challenge in teammate Isack Hadjar, who replaces outgoing Yuki Tsunoda. Will Verstappen’s speed end another driver’s career? Or will the new regulations provide a platform for Hadjar to shine?

It would be hard to bet against McLaren next year, but it could unquestionably be won by any of the 22 drivers

The 2026 season will certainly be an exciting one; all 11 teams sport an exceptionally talented pair of drivers and there is very little indication of which team will be at the front of the field next year. It would be hard to bet against McLaren next year, but it could unquestionably be won by any of the 22 drivers.