2026 F1 Teams Confirmed – Everything You Need To Know Today
Posted: December 8, 2025
Updated: December 8, 2025
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What to expect from the 2026 F1 cars?
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One more team, one driver out, one driver in
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2026 F1 teams confirmed
The 2026 F1 teams confirmed an era of unprecedented change. Two major manufacturers, Audi and Cadillac, join the grid. New regulations completely overhaul the cars’ design and power units. Furthermore, the driver market saw massive shakeups. We provide a full breakdown of the confirmed teams and drivers. Read our analysis of the upcoming season’s biggest stories.
The world of Formula 1 stands on the brink of its biggest shake-up in decades. The 2026 F1 teams revealed a grid injected with new energy. Audi and Cadillac join the roster, expanding the competition. Additionally, a radical overhaul of the technical regulations promises a fresh start for every team. This article details the full 2026 driver lineup. We analyze how the rule changes will impact the sport.
Consequently, we prepare you for what will be a truly thrilling new chapter in F1 history. Now that we have the 2026 F1 teams confirmed, it is time for us to analyze this new era of F1, with one more team and many other actors on the grid. Register at any of the online sportsbook sites in the US to bet on the 2026 F1 season!
Audi and Cadillac Joining – 2026 F1 Teams Confirmed
This year, Cadillac is joining as the 11th F1 team. However, Audi has purchased Kick Sauber, keeping their drivers. In our guide to the new F1 teams, you can learn a lot about their general plans. Cadillac’s entry represents a significant achievement for the sport. Andretti Global, its partner, secured the coveted eleventh spot. This American effort injects fresh energy and funding. Furthermore, it strengthens F1’s presence in the United States market. Cadillac’s involvement brings a prestigious automotive giant back. Audi will produce their own power unit in Germany. The new technical regulations favor their entry. Specifically, they focus on increased electrical power. This shift aligns perfectly with Audi’s corporate direction. Consequently, many experts predict Audi will quickly become a strong force.
They already have the resources and engineering talent. Audi wants to challenge the top teams very early on. This new era of regulations truly benefits them. The inclusion of two new factory-backed teams greatly excites fans. Cadillac’s all-American presence is particularly thrilling. Audi’s established motorsport heritage speaks for itself. Thus, the 2026 grid looks much more diverse and competitive. The increased number of cars provides more on-track action. More teams also mean more opportunities for drivers and engineers. And of course, a Chinese team might be on the horizon too! Register at Bovada Sportsbook and bet online today!
Yuki Tsunoda Lost His F1 Seat
The 2026 F1 teams confirmed: Yuki has no F1 seat left. Now that Red Bull is removing Yuki Tsunoda, Racing Bulls will receive a new driver, called Arvid Lindblad. As for the future of Tsunoda, he earned a job at Red Bull. However, we are unsure about his return to the sport, unless he jumps in to replace a potentially underperforming Lawson or Lindbald. Ultimately, we believe he will work for Red Bull and maybe open his restaurant on the side. Tsunoda’s time with Racing Bulls was largely positive. He scored important points for the team. He also showed flashes of brilliant pace. However, the pressure of the Red Bull program is relentless. They constantly seek the next superstar talent.
Lindblad’s rapid rise certainly expedited the change. The Red Bull system consistently prioritizes potential. Lindblad impressed the senior management greatly. Because Lindblad showed such promise, they elevated him swiftly. This situation created a tough outcome for the experienced Tsunoda. Ultimately, he accepted the reserve role with grace. We admire his commitment to the Red Bull family.
The Drivers For The 2026 F1 Teams Confirmed
According to Formula 1, the 2026 Season will start with the following lineup:
| Team | Driver 1 | Driver 2 |
| McLaren | Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc | Lewis Hamilton |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen | Isack Hadjar |
| Racing Bulls | Liam Lawson | Arvid Lindbald |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon | Oliver Bearman |
| Mercedes | George Russell | Andrea Kimi Antonelli |
| Williams | Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | Franco Colapinto |
| Audi | Nico Hulkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Cadillac | Sergio Perez | Valtteri Bottas |
McLaren maintains their young and fast pairing. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri form a dynamic duo. Ferrari sees Lewis Hamilton join Charles Leclerc. This superstar pairing creates huge anticipation. Red Bull promotes Isack Hadjar alongside Max Verstappen. This move solidifies Red Bull’s trust in its young drivers. Racing Bulls now features Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad makes his full-time F1 debut with this move. Haas continues with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. This combination of experience and rookie pace is intriguing. Mercedes fields George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
The New Cars Can Change Everything
The 2026 F1 teams confirmed a massive change. According to Sky Sports, the 2026 F1 cars will go through a complete overhaul. The DRS is removed, and instead will be reworked to the Z and X modes. There will be so many changes that even the best drivers could fail to adapt to these changes. However, people such as Lewis Hamilton might receive a new beginning, since he had issues with the previous car. Thus, these new regulations and rules have the potential to flip everything upside down. The power unit rules also change dramatically. The hybrid power component is significantly increased. The ratio shifts toward a 50/50 split. Electric power will now equal combustion engine power.
The complex MGU-H component is also eliminated. This simplification helps new engine manufacturers like Audi. The MGU-K (Kinetic Motor Generator Unit) power increases greatly. This new emphasis on electrical power is key. Furthermore, the cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel. This commitment supports F1’s strong environmental goals. The new power unit requires meticulous energy management. Drivers must conserve battery power strategically. Consequently, the racing should become a lot more tactical. The chassis and car dimensions shrink as well. The cars will become 30kg lighter than before. Their wheelbase and width are also reduced. This reduction helps make the cars more nimble. Smaller cars generally allow for better racing. The minimum weight reduction is a massive challenge.
Possible Changes – 2026 F1 Teams Confirmed
According to Motorsport, the following drivers have a contract ending in 2026 or have an open, non-specific status:
The 2026 Contract Drivers:
These drivers are secure for the 2026 season. Meaning the team will have to agree on compensation if they wish to urgently replace them. However, at the end of the next season, these drivers can switch teams if a better offer comes. Furthermore, the team may decide to freely replace them as they wish. Thus, we might see them driving for their current team for the last time. While nothing is confirmed, we expect Oliver Bearman to join Ferrari in 2027, and Lewis Hamilton to depart from Ferrari to potentially join another team. Equally, we expect Colapinto to depart from his F1 seat. Finally, Sainz might join a more prestigious team again. However, these are all just speculations.
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
Unspecified Contract Drivers:
A better word to define these drivers would be “Red Bull” drivers. They drive for the main or sister team. Hadjar, Lawson, and Lindbald may be freely replaced at any point, as we have seen during the year 2025. The team holds Verstappen to a more strict contract, and seeks to optimize performance by switching seats, or even spots if needed.
- Isack Hadjar
- Liam Lawson
- Arvid Lindbald
The Rolling Contract
While the Red Bull driver’s unspecified contract allows the team to remove, promote, or demote drivers at any time, we have the opposite for Aston Martin. Lance Stroll, the son of the team’s owner, has the privilege to quit anytime he desires.
- Lance Stroll (Rolling)
How To Bet On The 2026 F1 Season?
Now that we have all the 2026 F1 teams confirmed, it’s time to talk betting. Of course, if this is going to be your first serious fan season, we redirect you to our F1 betting guide for beginners. As for experts, you already know the deal. All you need is a locally legal and trustworthy betting platform. You should research the driver’s performance history. Specifically, look at their ability to adapt. Some drivers immediately master new car concepts. Others struggle with radical changes.
Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation at Ferrari will be fascinating. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli must work well together. The Red Bull junior drivers face huge pressure. Hadjar and Lindblad both have a massive opportunity. Consequently, you must evaluate each driver’s potential. Consider the new teams, Audi and Cadillac, very seriously. Both teams have significant backing and resources. They might surprise everyone very early on. Register at Bovada Sportsbook and bet online today!