The 2026 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, and with it, the anticipation for the best drivers on the grid. While the cars are yet to hit the track, we've ranked the driver line-ups from worst to best, considering the quality of each team's drivers. But here's where it gets controversial...
11th: Racing Bulls (down 1)
Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad
0 points
Our panel unanimously voted Racing Bulls the weakest driver line-up of 2026, despite positive remarks about both drivers. Ben Anderson noted that Lindblad could potentially be better than Hadjar, but for now, he's a complete unknown. Scott Mitchell-Malm agreed that Lawson doesn't seem to have the potential to break into the top 10 or 12, and Matt Beer questioned the decision to keep Lawson on.
10th: Alpine (down 1)
Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto
9 points
Pierre Gasly scored all of Alpine's 22 points in 2025, but doubts remain about his teammate, Franco Colapinto, who struggled after replacing Jack Doohan. Matt Beer summarized that Colapinto needs to show more consistency, and Josh Suttill pointed out that only one of Alpine's drivers might be ready to take advantage of the team's potential.
9th: Cadillac (new entry)
Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas
20 points
Cadillac's new team has two experienced drivers with 16 grand prix victories between them. Megan Cantle praised their positive work, but Ben Anderson noted that many race-winning drivers have had difficult experiences with teams in challenging positions. Josh Suttill added that Cadillac's involvement is significant for both drivers.
8th: Audi (down 1 (as Sauber in 2025))
Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
34 points
Our panel ranked Audi's line-up anywhere from sixth to ninth. Nico Hulkenberg is still a strong driver, and Gabriel Bortoleto impressed during his rookie season. However, concerns were raised about Hulkenberg's performance and Bortoleto's potential.
7th: Aston Martin (up 1)
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
38 points
Fernando Alonso's age might be a concern, but he consistently performed well despite a disappointing car. Our panel discussed the impact of Alonso versus Stroll on the line-up. Josh Suttill noted that Alonso scored 72% of the team's points, and Ben Anderson suggested that Stroll is dragging the line-up down.
6th: Haas (no change)
Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon
46 points
Ollie Bearman's impressive rookie season elevated Haas's ranking, while Esteban Ocon's inconsistent year impacted his reputation. Ben Anderson noted that Bearman is on a better trajectory than Hulkenberg, and Josh Suttill praised the line-up's balance and effectiveness.
5th: Ferrari (down 4)
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
80 points
Ferrari's drop in rankings is attributed to Lewis Hamilton's underwhelming performance. Charles Leclerc's strong 2025 saved the team, but Hamilton's credit from his peak years has been spent. Scott Mitchell-Malm expressed hope for Hamilton's return to form.
4th: Williams (up 1)
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
82 points
Williams's balanced driver line-up, praised by Edd Straw, helped them edge out Ferrari. Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz's combination is effective, and Josh Suttill suggested that combining their best performances would elevate the line-up further.
3rd: Mercedes (no change)
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
100 points
George Russell is rated as the best driver not named Max Verstappen. Kimi Antonelli's late-season turnaround improved the line-up, and Ben Anderson noted that Mercedes is inching down due to Antonelli's lack of consistency. Scott Mitchell-Malm expressed hope for Mercedes's future.
2nd: Red Bull (up 2)
Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
130 points
Max Verstappen's dominance and Isack Hadjar's impressive rookie season lifted Red Bull. However, concerns remain about Hadjar's ability to break the team's second-car curse. Ben Anderson and Val Khorounzhiy discussed the potential of this line-up.
1st: McLaren (up 1)
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
168 points
McLaren's pairing moved up one place each year for three consecutive seasons. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are proven winners, and Ben Anderson praised their consistency. Scott Mitchell-Malm noted that this is the strongest pairing based on 2025 evidence, and Val Khorounzhiy highlighted their potential for success.
