Formula 1 is dynamic, uncertain, and constantly changing – much like the F1 2026 drivers. You have the ‘pay drivers’ who essentially bring sponsorship money, the young rookies (see: Arvid Lindblad), and the legends.
But who are the new F1 drivers? Where do they stack up on the grid? Here’s a complete look at the 2026 driver lineup ahead of the Australian Grand Prix (March 6-8).
The big news? Sauber teammates Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will be driving for newcomers Audi, while the team-driver combination to watch will be Lewis Hamilton and Scuderia Ferrari, a pairing that is as messy as ever.
That said, the Brit said the car now has his “DNA” in it. If Ferrari has indeed built a competitive package, Lewis Hamilton could well be in the mix for the Drivers’ Championship, at least according to my F1 2026 predictions.
At the front of the grid, Max Verstappen will once again lead the charge for Red Bull, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to strengthen McLaren’s title credentials after their strong form in recent seasons.
Could this be George Russell‘s year? Below, we’ve prepared a detailed look at the new and returning drivers on the 2026 Formula 1 grid. Looking for an F1 live stream? We have some hot tips on those, too.
Arvid Lindblad makes his long-awaited F1 debut
Eighteen-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad will be the only rookie on the Formula 1 grid in 2026 – a stark contrast to 2025, when six new drivers made their debuts, including Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Ollie Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Jack Doohan (Alpine), and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
Lindblad joins Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls, replacing Hadjar after the Frenchman earned a promotion to the senior Red Bull team alongside Max Verstappen.
While new to a full-time Formula 1 seat, Lindblad already boasts an impressive résumé. The Red Bull junior became the youngest race winner in both Formula 3 and Formula 2, claiming victories at just 16 and 17 years old respectively. His rapid rise through the junior ranks also included winning the prestigious WSK Euro Series in 2021 – a title previously claimed by drivers such as Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli.
Lindblad has already had a taste of Formula 1 machinery, completing two FP1 sessions for Red Bull last season and impressing team bosses Laurent Mekies and Helmut Marko during previous car testing programs.
Returning drivers back on the F1 grid
Along with a new F1 team – Cadillac will expand the grid to 22 drivers – come two returning names: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both seasoned drivers with over 500 Formula 1 race starts between them. After missing out on an F1 seat in 2025, Cadillac will hope the veterans can bring crucial experience and newfound enthusiasm to the new outfit.
Perez was let go by Red Bull following a troubling 2024 season, during which he was replaced first by Liam Lawson and then Yuki Tsunoda. Bottas, meanwhile, spent the year on the sidelines as a reserve driver for Mercedes. But having worked inside championship-winning environments, they know the culture, structure, and mentality it takes to build a successful Formula 1 team.
Both drivers have also come close to the ultimate prize before, each finishing as a runner-up in the drivers’ championship during their careers. But after years spent as dependable wingmen at the front of the grid, the question now is whether Bottas and Perez can turn a new chapter with Cadillac.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Valtteri Bottas |
Sergio Perez |
|
Starts |
246 |
281 |
|
Wins |
10 |
6 |
|
Poles |
20 |
3 |
|
Podiums |
67 |
39 |
Drivers switching teams for 2026
Only one driver, Isack Hadjar, has switched teams from the 2025 season heading into 2026. He previously raced for Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, where he seriously impressed, even securing his first podium at Zandvoort – albeit with help from Lando Norris’ technical retirement.
The question now is whether he can meet both the expectations and the pressure of that second Red Bull seat, which has been something of a revolving door in recent years. The position has seen multiple changes, from Pierre Gasly to Alex Albon, then Sergio Perez, before short stints from Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.
Drivers continuing with the same teams in 2026
18 of the 22 drivers this season are continuing with their teams from last year, highlighting a rare level of stability on the Formula 1 grid.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Team |
F1 starts |
Wins |
Best race finish |
|
Max Verstappen |
Red Bull |
233 |
71 |
Win |
|
George Russell |
Mercedes |
152 |
5 |
Win |
|
Kimi Antonelli |
Mercedes |
24 |
0 |
P2 |
|
Oscar Piastri |
McLaren |
70 |
9 |
Win |
|
Lando Norris |
McLaren |
152 |
11 |
Win |
|
Charles Leclerc |
Ferrari |
171 |
8 |
Win |
|
Lewis Hamilton |
Ferrari |
380 |
105 |
Win |
|
Carlos Sainz |
Williams |
229 |
4 |
Win |
|
Alex Albon |
Williams |
128 |
0 |
P4 |
|
Fernando Alonso |
Aston Martin |
425 |
32 |
Win |
|
Lance Stroll |
Aston Martin |
189 |
0 |
P3 |
|
Esteban Ocon |
Haas |
180 |
1 |
Win |
|
Oliver Bearman |
Haas |
27 |
0 |
P4 |
|
Nico Hulkenberg |
Audi |
250 |
0 |
P3 |
|
Gabriel Bortoleto |
Audi |
24 |
0 |
P6 |
|
Pierre Gasly |
Alpine |
177 |
1 |
Win |
|
Franco Colapinto |
Alpine |
26 |
0 |
P8 |
|
Liam Lawson |
Racing Bulls |
35 |
0 |
P5 |
Key Formula 1 live streams around the world
Use a VPN to watch any Formula 1 2026 stream
This is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it’s back in your home country, thereby letting you unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 74% discount.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple:
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we’ve said, NordVPN is our favourite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you’re visiting the US and want to view your usual UK service, you’d select a ‘United Kingdom’ server from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to your usual local streaming service and watch F1 2026 live streams.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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