Last update: 27/08/2025

As the Formula 1 world shifts focus toward the 2026 grid, decisions are rapidly shaping and reshaping the season ahead. There’s been a lot of rumours circling many drivers and teams in the past few months. Here’s the most current view of who’s confirmed and which seats are still up for grabs.

Red Bull

Picture: Givemesport

• Max Verstappen: Signed through 2028, his place is secure despite the rumours about his move to Mercedes. However, his personal trainer has been on the record stating that Max is willing to give Red Bull 2026 and that’s it. If the car underperforms, he will consider his options again.

• Second Seat: Open. Red Bull is actively reevaluating their options considering the performance difference between the drivers. Isack Hadjar is having an impressive rookie season, so we might see another promotion from the junior team in 2026.

Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton is on a multi- year contract with Ferrari expected to run into 2027. Charles Leclerc is on a multi- year contract with Ferrari rumoured to run into 2029. Ferrari has long- term plans with its both highly established drivers.

McLaren

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: Both locked in through 2026 and likely beyond. One of the best pairings on the grid with both drivers being young and hungry to keep the momentum rolling from 2025 into 2026.

Mercedes

Picture: Mercedes F1

• George Russell: Contract ends in 2025. Russell is chasing a multi year deal and with rumours about Toto Wolff being in talks with Max Verstappen – the seat remains open for 2026.

• Kimi Antonelli: Contract ends in 2025. Antonelli is having an impressive rookie season, so most likely the contract will be renewed for 2026, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Audi (formerly Kick Sauber)

Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto: Both retained for 2026. Hülkenberg is supposedly on a multi year deal with Bortoleto being given a chance with the newly formed Audi team.

Alpine

• Pierre Gasly: Contract valid through 2026. Gasly signed a deal with Alpine in 2024 that reportedly runs through to the end of 2026.

• Second Seat: Open. Alpine’s 2nd seat is linked with many drivers, including the current driver Franco Colapinto & reserve driver Paul Aron. Whether Alpine will go with one of the rookies or bring a veteran, remains to be seen.

Williams, Haas & Aston Martin

Williams – Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz Jr.: Both confirmed for 2026 and reportedly on multi year contracts. One of the more exciting driver lineups with huge potential for 2026 and onwards.

Haas – Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman: Both confirmed for 2026. Haas bets on a mix of experience and youthful promise.

Aston Martin – Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll: Both confirmed for the 2026 season. Alonso is the core of the team and it will be exciting to follow how Newey’s design will be put to use by the Spaniard. Stroll contract isn’t running out anytime soon either.

Racing Bulls (Red Bull’s Junior Team)

Picture: Getty Images

Both seats are open for 2026. The decision will come most likely after the senior team has decided if they will promote one of the Racing Bull’s drivers. This leaves the door open for current reserve, F2 and Red Bull’s Academy drivers to make an impression.

Cadillac (New Team Debuting in 2026)

On the 27th of August, 2025 Cadillac F1 Team announced their 2026 driver lineup – Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. The rumors had been circulating for months regarding those two, but the question always remained – which direction will Cadillac choose when picking their drivers? Will they go for experience or youth? It’s clear now, as they have the most experienced driver lineup of the 2026 F1 Grid.

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