All 11 Formula 1 Teams in 2026 Explained: New Entries, Drivers & Changes

Formula 1 is gearing up for some big changes in 2026! We're going to see more teams, new engine makers, and updated rules. Get ready for 11 teams on the starting grid for the first time since 2016.

Here’s a straightforward look at the Formula 1 teams hitting the track in 2026, what's different, who's joining the party, and why you should care.

How Many Teams Are in Formula 1 in 2026?

In 2026, the starting grid will feature 11 teams and 22 drivers.

This grid expansion is the first since 2016. It happens alongside big regulation changes designed to boost sustainability and make the competition better.

McLaren

Drivers: Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri

Team Principal: Andrea Stella

McLaren heads into 2026 as the team to beat after crushing it in 2025. Norris is back to defend his first championship, and Piastri keeps getting better. It's easy to see why McLaren is an early favorite.

What's new this year:

• The pressure of defending a title.

• The same strong leaders and drivers are back.

Mercedes

Drivers: George Russell, Kimi Antonelli

Team Principal: Toto Wolff

Mercedes wants to keep the ball rolling after taking second place in 2025. They're counting on Antonelli's growth together with Russell as a major part of their plan for the future.

Main goals for 2026:

• Get used to the new engine rules fast

• Get back in the fight for the championship

Red Bull Racing

Drivers: Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar

Team Principal: Laurent Mekies

Red Bull is making some changes. Verstappen will still be the main focus, and Isack Hadjar is joining the team after doing well in the junior leagues.

Here’s what’s new:

• A new team principal

• A different set of drivers

Ferrari

Drivers: Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton

Team Principal: Fred Vasseur

Ferrari still has one of the best driver pairings in Formula 1. After a 2025 season that fell short of expectations, Ferrari sees the 2026 rules reset as a crucial opportunity.

Why 2026 is a big year for Ferrari:

• New rules mean a fresh start.

• Hamilton still wants to win championships.

Williams

Drivers: Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon

Team Principal: James Vowles

Williams kept getting better in 2025, and 2026 is their chance to really secure their spot as a top midfield team.

What's working for them:

• They've got a great pair of drivers.

• Their team is running more smoothly now.

Racing Bulls

Drivers: Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad

Team Principal: Alan Permane

Racing Bulls will have the only rookie driver in 2026, Arvid Lindblad. This shows the team is serious about giving new talent a shot.

What makes them stand out:

• Lindblad is the only completely new driver on the grid.

• They're closely linked with Red Bull.

Aston Martin

Drivers: Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll

Team Principal: Adrian Newey

Having Adrian Newey join as team principal is the biggest news. Aston Martin is counting on top-notch technical skills to move up in the rankings.

Looking ahead to 2026:

• This is a long-term project.

• The focus will be on great engineering.

Haas F1 Team

Drivers: Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman

Team Principal: Ayao Komatsu

Haas is still the newest team in F1 other than Cadillac. They focus on being consistent and making steady progress.

Goals for 2026:

• Get closer to the middle of the pack.

• Help Bearman grow as a driver for the future.

Audi F1: Why 2026 Is a Long-Term Play

Drivers: Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto

Team Principal: Jonathan Wheatley

Audi is joining Formula 1 in 2026. They're taking over the Kick Sauber team and giving it a new name. This move happens when the new engine rules come into play.

Why this is a big deal for Audi:

• Audi is now a full factory team.

• They're committed to F1 racing for the long haul.

Alpine

Drivers: Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto

Managing Director: Steve Nielsen

Alpine is moving away from customer power units and will use Mercedes engines starting in 2026.

This is a major turning point, marked by:

• A new engine supplier

• Changes in how the team is structured

Cadillac F1: America’s New Team on the 2026 Grid

Drivers: Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez

Team Principal: Graeme Lowdon

Cadillac is joining F1, making them the first new team since 2016. This is a big move for the sport in North America.

Here's what's interesting about Cadillac:

• It's an American team.

• They'll use Ferrari engines starting in 2026.

• They want to be a top-tier, fully independent team after 2028.

“2026 marks Formula 1’s biggest grid expansion in a decade.”

Quick Overview Table

Why the 2026 F1 Season Is Different

Formula 1 is gearing up for a big reset in 2026, which could be its biggest since 2014. Here's what's changing:

• 11 teams will be on the starting grid.

• There will be new rules for power units.

• More manufacturers are getting involved.

• There's a bigger push to grab the attention of the US market.

  
  

FAQs

1. How many F1 teams will race in 2026?

   The 2026 Formula 1 season will have 11 teams.

   
   

2. What team is new to Formula 1 in 2026?

   Cadillac will race in Formula 1 for the first time in 2026.

   
   

3. Will Audi be in Formula 1 in 2026?

   Yes, Audi will have its own full factory team in 2026.

   
   

4. Will there be new F1 rules in 2026?

   Yes, the 2026 season brings new rules for the engine and chassis.

   
   

5. What’s special about the 2026 F1 season?

   The 2026 season is important because of the big changes to the cars and the addition of new teams.

Final Takeaway

Formula 1 in 2026 is growing, not just changing. With fresh teams, rule changes, and stronger rivalries, the sport is becoming more global, competitive, and forward-thinking than ever before.