F1 2026 New Teams Announce Driver Lineups: Who’s Joining the Grid?

 F1 2026 New Teams Announce Driver Lineups: Who’s Joining the Grid?

The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to be a landmark year with the introduction of new teams and significant regulation changes. As the sport prepares for a new era featuring revised power units, active aerodynamics, and sustainable fuels, two new teams—Audi and Cadillac—have confirmed their driver lineups, signaling their ambitions for the expanded 22-car grid. Here’s a detailed look at the new teams and the drivers they’ve selected to spearhead their debut campaigns.Audi F1 Team: A Powerhouse in the MakingAudi will enter Formula 1 in 2026 as a full works team, taking over the existing Sauber operation. The German automotive giant has been developing its own power unit and has now locked in its driver lineup to tackle the challenges of the new regulations.

• Nico Hulkenberg: The experienced German driver, who signed a multi-year deal with Sauber in 2024, will continue as Audi’s lead driver. Hulkenberg’s technical expertise and consistency make him a natural fit for Audi’s ambitious project, aiming to fight for wins within its first three years.
• Gabriel Bortoleto: The reigning Formula 2 champion joins as a “future Audi driver,” secured on a multi-year contract. The young Brazilian’s rapid rise through the junior formulas positions him as a promising talent to develop alongside Hulkenberg.

Audi’s partnership with global financial technology company Revolut as their title sponsor further underscores their commitment to innovation, both on and off the track. With a state-of-the-art facility in Hinwil, Switzerland, and a power unit development center in Neuburg, Germany, Audi is poised to make a strong debut.Cadillac F1 Team: Bringing American Flair to the GridCadillac, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, will join Formula 1 as the 11th team, marking the first time since 2016 that the grid will feature 22 cars. Led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac has opted for a highly experienced driver duo to ensure a competitive start.

• Valtteri Bottas: The Finnish driver, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, returns to a full-time race seat after serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2025. With 247 Grand Prix starts, 67 podiums, and 20 pole positions, Bottas brings a wealth of experience and technical feedback to help Cadillac hit the ground running.
• Sergio Perez: The Mexican driver, who parted ways with Red Bull at the end of 2024, makes a comeback with Cadillac. Perez, a six-time race winner with 39 podiums, offers championship-winning experience from his time at Red Bull and a strong track record with midfield teams like Sauber and Force India.

Cadillac’s choice of two seasoned drivers reflects their “bold signal of intent,” as stated by team principal Graeme Lowdon. The team, with bases in Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone, is building a robust operation, including a power unit program led by CEO Russ O’Blenes. Cadillac will use Ferrari engines for their debut season, with plans to become a full works team by the end of the decade.Why These Choices MatterThe driver selections for Audi and Cadillac highlight contrasting strategies. Audi balances experience with youth, pairing Hulkenberg’s veteran presence with Bortoleto’s potential to grow into a star. Cadillac, on the other hand, has doubled down on experience, banking on Bottas and Perez to provide immediate competitiveness and leadership as the team establishes itself in the sport.Both teams are entering F1 at a pivotal moment, with the 2026 season introducing smaller, lighter cars, active aerodynamics, and a new power unit formula emphasizing sustainability. These changes could level the playing field, giving newcomers a chance to challenge established teams. Audi’s in-house power unit and Cadillac’s Ferrari partnership signal serious investment, but their success will depend on how quickly their drivers can adapt to the new machinery.What’s Next for F1 2026?With Audi and Cadillac joining McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Racing Bulls, and Williams, the 2026 grid is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in F1 history. While Audi and Cadillac have confirmed their drivers, other teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Alpine, and Racing Bulls still have open seats, leaving room for further shake-ups in the driver market.The 2026 season will also feature a 24-race calendar, kicking off in Australia on March 6-8 and concluding in Abu Dhabi on December 4-6. New tracks, such as the Madrid Grand Prix, and the introduction of sustainable fuels will add to the excitement. Fans can expect intense battles as teams and drivers navigate the new regulations and the expanded grid.ConclusionThe announcement of Audi and Cadillac’s driver lineups for 2026 marks a significant step in Formula 1’s evolution. With Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at Audi, and Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez at Cadillac, both teams are gearing up for a competitive debut. As the sport heads into a new era of regulations and sustainability, these driver pairings will play a crucial role in shaping their teams’ fortunes. Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 F1 grid continues to take shape!