Either Norris or Piastri are likely to be entering the 2026 season as the defending F1 champion.<\/p>\n
Ferrari<\/p>\n
Like McLaren, Ferrari also have both their drivers sorted for 2026.<\/p>\n
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At the start of 2024, Charles Leclerc <\/a>signed a new long-term deal said to be for a further five years, running until the end of the 2029 campaign.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, superstar signing Lewis Hamilton<\/a> joined on a deal understood to cover at least the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.<\/p>\n Red Bull<\/p>\n Four-time world champion Max Verstappen <\/a>signed a long-term contract back in March 2022 to stay at Red Bull until the end of 2028.<\/p>\n After a long period of uncertainty Verstappen has now confirmed he will stay at Red Bull in 2026.<\/p>\n Verstappen’s future was shrouded in doubt and the rumour mill continued even after the sacking of Red Bull boss Christian Horner.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Verstappen’s perceived unhappiness had been reported for the past year. Mercedes were at the front of the queue.<\/p>\n Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reportedly met to discuss a move after the 2025 F1 British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n The driver of the second Red Bull car is still in question.<\/p>\n Liam Lawson lasted just two races as Verstappen’s teammate in 2025 before being hooked, in favour of Yuki Tsunoda. But Tsunoda has struggled since he got the gig, too. There is a huge debate about who Red Bull will back for next season.<\/p>\n Mercedes Max Verstappen<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Andrea Kimi Antonelli <\/a>and George Russell<\/a> are now expected to be retained by Mercedes.<\/p>\n Previously it seemed their futures might depend on Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen.<\/p>\n Russell’s contract expires at the end of 2025 but the long delay in committing to a new deal had raised suspicion that Mercedes want Verstappen.<\/p>\n Russell claimed that the likelihood he will leave for 2026 is very low. But without a deal in place yet, the rumours continued.<\/p>\n Antonelli is in his rookie season and has been likened to a young Verstappen for his potential.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n The wildest rumours have linked with Antonelli with a loan elsewhere, perhaps Williams or Alpine, to make room for Verstappen alongside Russell.<\/p>\n But, before F1 went away for the summer break, it seemed clear that Russell and Antonelli would finalise terms to stay at Mercedes in 2026.<\/p>\n Aston Martin<\/p>\n Aston Martin\u2019s line-up is set to be unchanged for 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fernando Alonso<\/a> is contracted until the end of the 2026 season, while Lance Stroll<\/a> effectively has the other seat for as long as he wishes to continue racing thanks to his father\u2019s ownership of the team.<\/p>\n Aston Martin were also linked with a move for Verstappen but those rumours have coolled.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n The arrival of Adrian Newey gives major hope to Aston Martin’s drivers for 2026.<\/p>\n Alpine<\/p>\n Pierre Gasly<\/a> will have one of the Alpine seats for 2026 after agreeing to a new multi-year contract extension last term.<\/p>\n But there is constant speculation about their second driver.<\/p>\n Jack Doohan<\/a>‘s rookie campaign lasted only six races before he was axed from the seat.<\/p>\n Franco Colapinto<\/a>, previously signed as their reserve and test driver having impressed at Williams, replaced Doohan in the car. But Alpine have always conceded they are continually monitoring his progress.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Supposedly, Alpine tried to sign Sergio Perez or Valtteri Bottas to replace Colapinto – but failed.<\/p>\n Who will partner Gasly at the French squad in 2026 is uncertain at this stage.<\/p>\n Haas<\/p>\n Esteban Ocon<\/a> and Oliver Bearman <\/a>will form Haas\u2019 new-look line-up for 2025 and they both have deals covering 2026.<\/p>\n Racing Bulls<\/p>\n Red Bull\u2019s sister outfit Racing Bulls have no drivers signed up for 2026.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Their drivers will depend first on the decision-making at Red Bull.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Ex-Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies has taken over from Christian Horner at Red Bull.<\/p>\n Isack Hadjar<\/a> has impressed in his rookie campaign for Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n He started the season alongside Yuki Tsunoda, who was swiftly promoted to Red Bull. Liam Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls alongside Hadjar.<\/p>\n Williams<\/p>\n Carlos Sainz<\/a> agreed to join Williams on a multi-year deal and will continue alongside Alex Albon <\/a>in 2026, unless a rumoured get-out clause is activated beforehand.<\/p>\n Audi<\/p>\n Sauber will become the Audi works F1 team in 2026, with Nico Hulkenberg <\/a>and Gabriel Bortotelo<\/a> set to stay put.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Hulkenberg committed to a three-year deal when he signed from Haas in 2024, while Sauber\u2019s Bortoleto announcement referred to the reigning Formula 2 champion as a \u201cfuture Audi driver\u201d, suggesting his deal covers more than a single season.<\/p>\n Cadillac<\/p>\n The third and final team to have no confirmed drivers for 2026 is Cadillac.<\/p>\n The American outfit is set to become F1\u2019s 11th team next year, opening up two extra spots on the grid.<\/p>\n Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are the drivers set to sign for Cadillac.<\/p>\n Cadillac initially suggested they wanted an American driver but this has coolled more recently. They then considered pairing a veteran with a rookie. Instead, they have gone for the two most experienced free agents.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n As many as seven drivers were in the mix for Cadillac<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/xpb_1353863_hires_0.jpg\")
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