The Federação Internacional de Automobilismo (FIA) has published the official entry list for the 2026 Fórmula 1 season, confirming the 22 drivers and their permanent numbers.
Reigning champion Lando Norris chose the number 1 on his McLaren, a tradition reserved for the world champion.
Max Verstappen, in turn, leaves 1 and starts with number 3 in Red Bull.
The season begins in March with the Australian Grande Prêmio as the opening race.
- McLaren: Lando Norris (#1) and Oscar Piastri (#81)
- Mercedes: George Russell (#63) and Kimi Antonelli (#12)
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen (#3) and Isack Hadjar (#6)
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc (#16) and Lewis Hamilton (#44)
Changes in the number of protagonists
Lando Norris leaves the number 4 used since his debut and takes over the number 1 for the first time.
This choice follows the example of recent champions who have chosen the Symbol of Leadership.
Max
The Dutchman is looking for a new look after four years at the 1st.
Debuts and returns in the expanded grid
The 2026 season marks the arrival of Cadillac as the 11th team, bringing back Sergio Pérez with the number 11 and Valtteri Bottas with the number 77.
Both experienced drivers were no longer at the start in 2025 and now form a veteran duo in the new American team.
The only absolute newcomer is Arvid
The young Brit rises straight up in the youth categories after becoming famous.
Gabriel Bortoleto, Brazilian representative, keeps the number 5 in his second season and now defends alongside Audi
Unveiling the starting grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship 🚨
👉https://t.co/M2aD794l3R
#FIA #F126 pic.twitter.com/Ub3elfILQy— FIA (@fia)December 19, 2025
Full team grid
The list confirms stability in several teams, with the pairs in most cases remaining unchanged compared to last year.
- Williams: Alex Albon (#23) and Carlos Sainz (#55)
- Aston Martin: Lance Stroll (#18) and Fernando Alonso (#14)
- Haas: Esteban Ocon (#31) and Oliver Bearman (#87)
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly (#10) and Franco Colapinto (#43)
- Race Bulls: Arvid Lindblad (#41) and Liam Lawson (#30)
- Audi: Nico Hülkenberg (#27) and Gabriel Bortoleto (#5)
- Cadillac: Sergio Pérez (#11) and Valtteri Bottas (#77)
These definitions end speculation about the pilot market for the year in which new technical regulations are introduced.
Preparing for a new regulatory era
The changes to the numbers coincide with the introduction of revised technical rules, including a greater emphasis on electrical performance and active aerodynamics.
Teams like McLaren and Red Bull are adapting their strategies to more established drivers.
In its debut as a works team, Audi is relying on the combination of Hülkenberg’s experience with Bortoleto’s potential.
Cadillac is launching with a focus on rapid development and leveraging the experience of Pérez and Bottas.
Individual highlights when selecting
Many drivers maintain consolidated personal numbers throughout their careers.
Lewis Hamilton continues with the 44 in Ferrari while Charles Leclerc keeps the 16.
George Russell continues with 63 in Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli debuts a full season with 12.
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll remain at 14 and 18 respectively at Aston Martin.
These choices reflect personal preferences and history in the youth categories.
Championship expectations
Once the starting lineup is set, teams will begin pre-season testing focusing on the new power units.
Competition promises to be more balanced due to regulatory changes.
Norris defends the title with the symbolic number, while Verstappen aims to regain it immediately.
Bortoleto represents the Brazilian renewal in this category after years without a constant presence.
