The 2026 Formula 1 season arrives not only with a technical revolution but also with a refreshed driver lineup. While last year saw a flood of young talent reach the pinnacle of motorsport, this season welcomes the return of seasoned veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, two of the three new faces on the grid.

Here’s a breakdown of each team heading into the new season:

McLaren: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri

McLaren retains its proven pairing. World champion Lando Norris and rising star Oscar Piastri (25 and 24, respectively) remain central to the team’s ambitions. Under their leadership, McLaren ended a 26-year wait for a title in 2025.

Mercedes: George Russell, Kimi Antonelli

George Russell continues as the experienced anchor, while talented youngster Kimi Antonelli steps into his second season. Antonelli showed flashes of brilliance during his debut, and the team hopes his potential will flourish under a stable pairing.

Red Bull: Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar

World champion Max Verstappen retains his seat, now alongside Isack Hadjar, who impressed with Racing Bulls last season, including a podium in the Netherlands. Hadjar replaces Yuki Tsunoda, who remains a reserve driver. He becomes the eighth Verstappen teammate in the last ten years.

Ferrari: Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton

Charles Leclerc remains Ferrari’s long-term leader, aiming for the world title. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, still adjusting in his first season at Ferrari, will look to improve as he settles in. The new rules position Ferrari as one of the strongest cars on the grid with a formidable driver pairing.

Williams: Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz

Alexander Albon has been at Williams since 2022, pairing with Carlos Sainz, who impressed with a podium in Baku last season. Both are contracted through 2026, and the team expects them to continue pushing forward.

Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad

Liam Lawson leads the team alongside debutant Arvid Lindblad, promoted to F1 after a single year in F2. Both drivers carry high expectations heading into the new season.

Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll

Aston Martin keeps its duo for a third consecutive season. 44-year-old Fernando Alonso is contracted until the end of 2026, while Lance Stroll, supported by his father’s ownership of the team, enjoys long-term security on the grid.

Haas: Esteban Ocon, Oliver Bearman

Esteban Ocon’s experience complements rookie Oliver Bearman, who impressed with a fourth-place finish in Mexico last year. Both remain under contract through 2026, forming a stable and promising duo.

Audi: Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto

Following Audi’s full takeover of Sauber, the German works team retains Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. Hülkenberg scored his debut podium at Silverstone last season, while Bortoleto impressed in qualifying despite a lower points tally. Both are signed through 2026.

Alpine: Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto

Pierre Gasly remains Alpine’s lead driver with a contract through 2028. His teammate Franco Colapinto has stepped up following Jack Doohan’s departure, gaining the team’s confidence despite yet to score points.

Cadillac: Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas

Cadillac enters F1 with experience at the wheel. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas bring years of expertise and winning pedigree to the team. Both are contracted through 2027, and Cadillac hopes their leadership will guide the team through its debut F1 season.