P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 2026 driver lineup: Who will be Max Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate?
Mercedes has finalized their driver lineup for the 2026 season, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli retaining their seats after a successful first year together that elevated the team to second place in the constructors’ championship.
Eight out of the 11 teams, including the new entry Cadillac, have now confirmed their driver pairings for 2026, bringing us closer to a complete 22-driver grid for the upcoming season.
On the other hand, Red Bull is still among the teams yet to disclose their lineup for 2026, with Max Verstappen secured but his teammate’s identity remaining a mystery.
McLaren’s duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, set in place since early 2024, guarantee stability for the team as they head into the new regulations era, following Piastri’s contract extension through 2026.
Meanwhile, over at Ferrari, the formidable pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, locked in since 2024, will lead the team into the forthcoming seasons, as they aim to uphold their competitive edge amidst the evolving F1 landscape.
