2026 F1 driver line-up: The grid to this point, and all of the rumours

Here’s a rundown of the contract scenario of each F1 driver and crew forward of the 2026 season, together with Cadillac because the eleventh entry. 

We now have included all the most recent rumours about which drivers would possibly get the axe, and which might swap groups for subsequent season…

McLaren

McLaren have already got their driver line-up for subsequent yr locked in place, with each Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri tied right down to offers which embrace the 2026 marketing campaign.

Both Norris or Piastri are more likely to be coming into the 2026 season because the defending F1 champion.

Ferrari

Like McLaren, Ferrari even have each their drivers sorted for 2026.

At the beginning of 2024, Charles Leclerc signed a brand new long-term deal stated to be for an additional 5 years, operating till the top of the 2029 marketing campaign.

In the meantime, celebrity signing Lewis Hamilton joined on a deal understood to cowl at the least the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.

Purple Bull

4-time world champion Max Verstappen signed a long-term contract again in March 2022 to remain at Purple Bull till the top of 2028.

But Verstappen’s future is shrouded doubtful and the hearsay mill continues even after the sacking of Purple Bull boss Christian Horner.

Verstappen’s perceived unhappiness has been reported for the previous yr. Mercedes are on the entrance of the queue ought to he search an exit for 2026, regardless of at present being beneath contract.

Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reportedly met to debate a transfer after the 2025 F1 British Grand Prix.

The driving force of the second Purple Bull automobile can be in query.

Liam Lawson lasted simply two races as Verstappen’s teammate in 2025 earlier than being hooked, in favour of Yuki Tsunoda. However Tsunoda has struggled since he received the gig, too. There’s a big debate about who Purple Bull will again for subsequent season.

Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell know that their futures would possibly rely upon Mercedes’ curiosity in Verstappen.

Russell’s contract expires on the finish of 2025 however the lengthy delay in committing to a brand new deal has raised suspicion that Mercedes need Verstappen.

Russell has claimed that the probability he’ll depart for 2026 may be very low. However and not using a deal in place but, the rumours proceed.

Antonelli is in his rookie season and has been likened to a younger Verstappen for his potential.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin’s line-up is about to be unchanged for 2026. 

Fernando Alonso is contracted till the top of the 2026 season, whereas Lance Stroll successfully has the opposite seat for so long as he needs to proceed racing due to his father’s possession of the crew.

Aston Martin have been additionally linked with a transfer for Verstappen however these rumours have coolled.

The arrival of Adrian Newey offers main hope to Aston Martin’s drivers for 2026.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly can have one of many Alpine seats for 2026 after agreeing to a brand new multi-year contract extension final time period.

However there may be fixed hypothesis about their second driver.

Jack Doohan’s rookie marketing campaign lasted solely six races earlier than he was axed from the seat.

Franco Colapinto, beforehand signed as their reserve and take a look at driver having impressed at Williams, changed Doohan within the automobile. However Alpine have at all times conceded they’re regularly monitoring his progress.

Valtteri Bottas has been talked about as an choice to be thrown into Colapinto’s automobile earlier than the 2025 season has ended.

Who will associate Gasly on the French squad in 2026 is unsure at this stage.

Haas

Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman will kind Haas’ new-look line-up for 2025 they usually each have offers masking 2026.

Racing Bulls

Purple Bull’s sister outfit Racing Bulls haven’t any drivers signed up for 2026. 

Their drivers will rely first on the decision-making at Purple Bull.

Ex-Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies has taken over from Christian Horner at Purple Bull.

Isack Hadjar has impressed in his rookie marketing campaign for Racing Bulls.

He began the season alongside Yuki Tsunoda, who was swiftly promoted to Purple Bull. Liam Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls alongside Hadjar.

Williams

Carlos Sainz agreed to hitch Williams on a multi-year deal and can proceed alongside Alex Albon in 2026, except a rumoured get-out clause is activated beforehand.

Audi

Sauber will turn out to be the Audi works F1 crew in 2026, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortotelo set to remain put.

Hulkenberg dedicated to a three-year deal when he signed from Haas in 2024, whereas Sauber’s Bortoleto announcement referred to the reigning System 2 champion as a “future Audi driver”, suggesting his deal covers greater than a single season.

Cadillac

The third and ultimate crew to haven’t any confirmed drivers for 2026 is Cadillac.

The American outfit is about to turn out to be F1’s eleventh crew subsequent yr, opening up two additional spots on the grid.

Cadillac can have loads of curiosity suitors knocking on the door, with Valtteri Bottas already admitting he can be eager to hitch the challenge after dropping his full-time F1 drive.

Sergio Perez, out of labor since being dropped by Purple Bull, can be a key contender.

Cadillac initially urged they wished an American driver however this has coolled extra just lately. They might as a substitute pair a veteran with a rookie.