The final pieces of the 2026 Formula 1 puzzle have slotted into place, with Red Bull's announcement completing the driver roster for the upcoming campaign. The confirmation, delivered on Tuesday, ends months of speculation and sets the stage for a new era of competition.
Red Bull's Bold Driver Decisions for 2026
Red Bull Racing has made a decisive call for its lead team, confirming that Isack Hadjar will step up to become Max Verstappen's teammate. This promotion follows an impressive rookie season for Hadjar at the sister RB team, where he demonstrated the pace and maturity to earn a seat alongside the four-time world champion.
At the Racing Bulls outfit, the line-up features a mix of experience and raw talent. Liam Lawson has been retained, providing continuity, while the team makes a daring move by promoting 18-year-old British teenager Arvid Lindblad directly from Formula 2. This represents a monumental opportunity for the young driver to make his mark on the sport's biggest stage.
These decisions come with significant consequence for Yuki Tsunoda. After five years within the Red Bull driver programme, the Japanese driver loses his seat, casting his future in Formula 1 into serious doubt.
The Full 2026 Formula One Grid
With all teams now settled, the complete grid for the season opener in Australia on Sunday 8 March 2026 is as follows:
McLAREN
Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri
FERRARI
Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton
RED BULL
Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar
MERCEDES
George Russell
Kimi Antonelli
ASTON MARTIN
Fernando Alonso
Lance Stroll
ALPINE
Pierre Gasly
Franco Colapinto
HAAS
Esteban Ocon
Ollie Bearman
RACING BULLS
Liam Lawson
Arvid Lindblad
WILLIAMS
Alex Albon
Carlos Sainz
SAUBER
Nico Hulkenberg
Gabriel Bortoleto
CADILLAC (new team)
Sergio Perez
Valtteri Bottas
Implications for the Upcoming Season
The confirmed grid sets up several fascinating storylines. The promotion of Hadjar alongside the dominant Verstappen will be intensely scrutinised, while the faith placed in youth by Racing Bulls, particularly in British prospect Lindblad, adds an exciting element of unpredictability.
The grid also features notable moves, with Carlos Sainz joining Williams and the experienced duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas leading the new Cadillac entry. As the 2025 season concludes in Abu Dhabi, the focus will swiftly shift to winter testing and the new dynamics this 2026 line-up will create.
