Formula One 2026: Complete Team and Driver Overview

Comprehensive guide to Formula One 2026 teams and drivers, detailing cars, engines, principals, and key driver stats with insights into their prospects and challenges.

McLaren

McLaren secured both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships last season, with the drivers’ title decided in a close contest. The team managed to maintain composure despite internal challenges related to fairness between their drivers. Entering this season slightly behind the leaders, McLaren is expected to leverage its strengths in rapid car development during a likely intense development race and remain competitive shortly.

Drivers:

After securing his first title last year, Norris is experiencing unprecedented confidence. He emphasized the importance of proving himself by winning the title and, having achieved that after a fierce battle, is motivated to defend it vigorously and push for the necessary resources.

Piastri faced a significant setback last season after leading for much of the year but losing ground due to poor results in the final third. He continues to gain experience, learning from the disappointment, and aims to come back stronger. Having improved annually, he is expected to be a contender.

Oscar Piastri burns some rubber during testing in Bahrain – he led the way for long spells last season before fading. Photograph: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/

Mercedes

Mercedes struggled during the previous ground-effect era but enters the new regulations as pre-season favorites. Their car is fast, well-balanced, and performs as expected, with a powerful engine. If they have an advantage in Melbourne, they are expected to capitalize on it aggressively, supported by two capable drivers. Currently, they are the team to beat.

Drivers:

Russell, experienced and a proven winner, is expected to maximize a strong car and lead from the front early. He aims to compete closely with Norris and Verstappen and has the control and judgment to fulfill his potential. He is the bookmakers’ favorite.

Antonelli showed great promise last season with flashes of brilliance and rookie errors. With improved control and a good car, he has the opportunity to justify the team's confidence and will not hesitate to challenge Russell if a championship is at stake.

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team pit crew in action — Mercedes look like the team to beat this season. Photograph: Mark Sutton/Formula 1/

Red Bull

Red Bull ended last season strongly, reflecting Mekies’s commitment to mastering their car. Concerns about their first self-built engine have been unfounded, and the package is strong, especially in energy recovery and deployment. Mekies acknowledges they trail rivals but expects further improvements.

Drivers:

Verstappen fought hard to the season's end last year despite an off-pace car for much of the year. He expects to contend from the start this season and, though he dislikes the new regulations' driving style, has the skill to master it. A fifth title remains possible.

Hadjar impressed on debut with a podium at Zandvoort. Partnering Verstappen is challenging, and scoring points would be an achievement. The determined French driver aims to perform strongly and will be exciting to watch among the leading teams.

Max Verstappen drives on a track in low sunlight — Four-time champion Max Verstappen looks likely to challenge once again. Photograph: Mark Thompson/

Ferrari

Ferrari, another team that struggled during the ground-effect era, ended 2025 weakly. Their title drought continues since 2008, but they appear to have a solid grasp of the new regulations. Their car is fast, especially at starts and corner exits, and both drivers are ready to compete. Operational execution will be critical if the car's potential is to be realized.

Drivers:

Leclerc has demonstrated the qualities to contend for a title but has been frustrated by circumstances. As one of the best qualifiers, his skills may be crucial this season. Racing competitively against Hamilton will be a significant test and highlight.

Hamilton had a difficult debut with Ferrari last year and is eager to move forward with a car better suited to his style. His experience, judgment, and race pace remain strong. If Ferrari delivers, Hamilton remains a contender for an eighth title.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari on the track — Ferrari have the looks, the pace and the drivers, but can they deliver? Photograph: DPPI/Shutterstock

Williams

Williams exceeded expectations last season with excellent performance, focusing on significant progress this year. However, the car was not ready for the first test, causing a setback. With limited mileage, they will start the season playing catch-up from the midfield rear, facing a challenging year.

Drivers:

Albon showed steady progress but was outqualified by teammate Carlos Sainz last season. He faces pressure to prove he matches Sainz’s performance and can contribute to Williams’ advancement.

Sainz took time to adapt to Williams after Ferrari but found form late last season, including a gritty third place in Qatar. He aims to lead from the start and be instrumental in Williams’ progress.

Carlos Sainz sits in his cockpit — Carlos Sainz is looking to impress for his new team. Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA

Racing Bulls

Permane’s first full season as principal presents challenges, but the team has a solid car and engine. Positioned in the midfield battle alongside Haas and Alpine, competition will be close. Driver performance will be crucial, and Permane’s experience is an asset.

Drivers:

Lawson rebounded after being demoted from Red Bull early last season, including a strong fifth place in Baku. However, his decision-making remains inconsistent. This season is critical for retaining his seat, especially against his rookie teammate.

The promising teenager from Virginia Water steps up as part of the Red Bull junior program. Facing a steep learning curve with new cars, engines, and tires, Lindblad has prior F1 experience, including outperforming Yuki Tsunoda in practice. Scoring points and outperforming Lawson would be significant achievements.

Arvid Lindblad adjusts his earpiece — British teenager Arvid Lindblad prepares for his debut F1 season. Photograph: Rudy Carezzevoli/

Aston Martin

Newey’s first Aston Martin car and Honda’s engine return have not started well. Testing time was missed, and Honda admits their engine lacks pace and reliability. The innovative car is not yet at the desired level, placing the team near the back of the grid. Melbourne may be a difficult race.

Drivers:

Alonso’s hopes for a final resurgence with Newey’s Aston Martin seem unlikely. Despite his ability to maximize a good car, he currently faces the challenge of extracting performance from a lackluster Honda engine, a difficult situation for a driver of his caliber who may be contemplating retirement.

Stroll has openly criticized the new car’s shortcomings and must improve to help the team recover. He cannot match Alonso’s performance but needs to avoid the inconsistent displays that marked last season to justify his place.

Fernando Alonso drives his Aston Martin — Fernando Alonso faces an uphill battle to compete in the green of Aston Martin. Photograph: Bradley Collyer/PA

Haas

Komatsu continues to push Haas forward, with notable progress this year. Testing showed the car as a strong midfield contender, quick and reliable, with comfortable drivers. A strong season start is anticipated, with explosive starts expected utilizing the Ferrari engine.

Drivers:

Ocon, the more experienced driver, had an inconsistent 2025 with occasional strong performances. Consistency will be vital if Haas is to capitalize on the car’s potential and for Ocon to retain his seat.

Bearman had high expectations but took time to adapt, with some errors. He improved towards the end of last season with five consecutive top-10 finishes, including a fourth place in Mexico. Eliminating mistakes could make him a key asset for Haas.

Oliver Bearman in testing at Bahrain — Oliver Bearman had a fine run of five top-10 finishes last year but will hope for more overall consistency. Photograph: Florent Gooden/DPPI/Shutterstock

Audi

Audi enters F1 by acquiring the former Sauber team, which finished ninth last season, and producing its own engine. The team is expanding and rebuilding facilities, keeping expectations modest. Their engine is solid, and the car completed substantial testing. Wheatley provides strong leadership during this developmental phase.

Drivers:

Hülkenberg achieved his first podium last season, welcomed by the community. His role at Audi is to provide experience and valuable feedback during development. While capable, he may be outpaced by his quick teammate.

Bortoleto showed promise in his rookie year, winning junior titles but displaying some inconsistency. He delivered notable performances, including sixth place in Hungary. With experience, Audi expects him to develop and potentially secure points.

Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto rounds a bend during testing in Bahrain — Audi have a talented driver lineup for their debut F1 season. Photograph: Altaf Qadri/AP

Alpine

After a poor 2025 marked by car and engine issues and team instability, Alpine aims to improve with a Mercedes engine and possibly their best car in years. A more stable environment and Christian Horner’s involvement may enhance their midfield competitiveness.

Drivers:

Gasly often outperformed his car last year, including a notable sixth place in wet Silverstone conditions. His efforts prevented Alpine from a worse season. In a better car, more is expected, and he is trusted to deliver with skill and determination.

Colapinto joined mid-2025 with high expectations but was hindered by a poor car and personal errors. After a mid-season reset, his form improved. He retains his seat but faces increased pressure to perform in a better car.

Alpine’s Franco Colapinto during testing in Bahrain — Franco Colapinto’s best finish last season was 11th at the Dutch Grand Prix. Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/

Cadillac

Cadillac secured entry late in 2024 and has impressively built a team from scratch for 2026. Despite assembling talent and completing all testing days, the car is at the back of the grid. The initial goal is to finish races and gradually progress.

Drivers:

Bottas brings experience from top teams and renewed enthusiasm. His proven skills will be valuable in maximizing the car’s potential and guiding the team.

Pérez, a veteran with something to prove after a challenging end to his Red Bull tenure, is motivated and knowledgeable about championship-winning teams. His driving style suits the car, which is crucial for Cadillac’s development.