F1 Predictions: 2026 drivers lineup for every team

The 2025 F1 season is around the block now as the teams and drivers get ready for what's going to be an intense 24-race run. Before the season begins, however, is the time for speculation and predictions (that are more often than not incorrect).

In one of our earlier features, we shared a prediction of how we expect the 2025 F1 season to pan out. However, what can we say about the silly season? There are multiple drivers whose contracts are up for renewal.

Also, if there's something we've learned after years of following the sport, contracts don't mean anything. With that being said, as the 2025 season gets closer, what would be the driver lineup for the 2026 season? Let's take a look.

2026 F1 driver lineup predictions

McLaren

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Both McLaren drivers have a contract that goes beyond 2025. Things could get a bit dicey between the two, especially if the title is in contention, but more or less both drivers have shown a decent level of restraint and an ability to work together. Going into 2026, we don't expect the lineup to change.

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc and Ollie Bearman

Well, here comes the first bold prediction. We do not expect Lewis Hamilton to be on the grid in 2026. The 2025 F1 season is going to be rough for the driver because, unlike what happened at Mercedes, this time the challenge is going to be even more extreme.

The combination of being at Ferrari and being teamed up with Charles Leclerc means Lewis Hamilton would be exposed a lot more if the results are not up to the mark. If the car is as good as many expect it to be, a title could be on the line, and if the F1 legend is forced to play second fiddle, we might be looking at the driver's last season in the sport because that would be him hitting the lowest point of his career.

With the move coming in at a much later hour, it won't come as a surprise if Ferrari is forced to bring Ollie Bearman maybe a year earlier than when it would have wanted to.

Red Bull

Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda

This one is even more intriguing because, in our view, Liam Lawson would struggle to rise to the challenge of being Max Verstappen's teammate. The struggle is to be within 3 tenths of Max, but if the team leader fights for the title while you're just struggling to be 8th in the championship, that's not a good look.

After a year of going through the burden of being unable to keep up with Max, Liam would be finally replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who ends up having a strong season in RB.

Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli and Carlos Sainz

Now it's time for another shocker where we think George Russell leaves Mercedes at the end of the 2025 F1 season. The Brit's contract comes to an end this season, but the bigger litmus test is for the German team here. Slowly but steadily George would realize that the young Italian, who is in his first season in the sport, is taking all the attention of the entire team, and even though Lewis Hamilton has left, that leadership role is not going to him.

Once the realization hits, George will be on his way out of the team in search of an avenue where he gets fairer treatment. Replacing the Brit would be Carlos Sainz, who would be eyed as a potential mentor for Kimi Antonelli, who's still ironing out some of the wrinkles in his game.

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso and George Russell

In our view, 2026 would be the first F1 season where Lance Stroll takes a step back from racing in the pinnacle of motorsports and makes a move to WEC, where Aston Martin already is looking to build something big.

At the same time, keeping an eye on how well Aston Martin has been progressing in terms of hiring the right people, George Russell would make his move from Mercedes to join Fernando Alonso on the team.

Alpine

Pierre Gasly and Paul Aron

It's unfortunate, but it does appear that the writing is already on the wall for Jack Doohan, as the Australian's exit looks imminent unless he shocks everyone and starts beating Pierre Gasly from the very first race. That would be hard to do in general, and if he's not able to do that, it won't be a surprise if Aron replaces him as the French team's transition to 'Hi-Tec' continues.

Haas F1

Esteban Ocon and Ritomo Miyata

As we said earlier, Ollie Bearman is going to be a Ferrari driver in 2026, and that would leave a spot open at Haas for the Toyota Gazoo Racing-backed Ritomo Miyata.

The Japanese driver had an underwhelming rookie season in F2 as the transition from the SuperFormula championship to a slower car was not ideal. With that being said, he's someone who beat Liam Lawson when the Kiwi went to Japan and has been rated highly. With Toyota's growing influence at Haas and F1 being a constant fixture in 2025, expect this move to be a no-brainer.

RB

Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad

Well, Isack Hadjar might face the axe after just one year because Red Bull would want to give Liam Lawson some more time to grow and be a proper benchmark for a young driver that they're keeping a close eye on.

Arvid Lindblad is the next big talent for the team, and when that happens, the Austrian squad can be quite ruthless in how it places everyone.

Williams F1

Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto

At Williams, once Carlos Sainz leaves, the door is open for Franco Colapinto to make a return to the team as the squad continues to progress and rise up the grid.

Sauber/Audi F1

Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

In Audi's first season, the German team would go into the season with a mix of young talent in the form of Gabriel Bortoleto teamed up with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg.

Cadillac/General Motors

Colton Herta/Sergio Perez

Finally, for Cadillac/General Motors, it's safe to say that one seat goes to the American Colton Herta and the second seat goes to Sergio Perez, who is going to be a very attractive option in terms of experience in the midfield and in being a part of a title-winning outfit.