Off-season Opinion: Ranking the Driver Lineups for 2026

The 2026 F1 season is just around the corner, and already we are jumping into shakedowns and testing weeks to ramp up the excitement. It seems like every team is pumped and ready to go, and a strong driver lineup is a huge part of a team’s momentum. I’ve ranked all of the 2026 driver lineups based on how well I think they will work together this season, so let’s get into it.

11. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto

Alpine fans, I’m sorry - but 2025 proved that this duo has a lot of difficulty scoring points. Pierre has been in the sport for a while longer than Franco, but he still runs at the back of the pack more often than he does with his older teammates. Additionally, Franco has had many car troubles and often fails to perform throughout the calendar, and it just seems like this team pairing isn’t doing much good for Alpine. 

10. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll

Combined, this duo has 2 world championships (Alonso’s in ‘05 and ‘06) and too many DNF’s to count (mostly thanks to Lance). While Fernando often works his way up the standings on a typical Sunday to score points and place well, Lance is more likely than not to be in the bottom five or out of the race. This lineup isn’t completely cursed, but since they are not usually in the same standings during a race, it is difficult for them to work together as a true team.

9. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton

I understand that this pairing is made up of a 7-time world champion and one of the most beloved Formula 1 drivers possibly of all time, but the underlying issue is that Ferrari is legitimately cursed. Neither Charles nor Lewis can get along with their engineers or with team authorities, which is where the problem lies. It’s not a question of whether Charles and Lewis can get along - because we know they do, especially off-track - but whether the overall team’s system can work as a well-oiled machine without threat of internal destruction.

A rare shot of both Ferrari drivers smiling while in uniform. Photo courtesy of Motorsport.com.

8. Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman

Honestly, this pair performed decently well in 2025, and I’m ready to see more pure and supportive teamwork from the Haas duo this upcoming season. Some races they seem to be more on the same page than others, but overall things are pretty peaceful between Esteban and Ollie, which is especially remarkable considering Esteban’s past teammate quarrels. They may not be the best of friends out of the grid, but they get along well and will hopefully continue to do so.

7. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad

This season will be the first time that VCARB has this driver lineup, as Arvid is the one rookie for the 2026 season. However, Liam is a very amiable and honest teammate, and I have no doubt they will get along. Arvid is earnest about his love for racing and his desire to become one of the greats, and it seems like Liam has great respect for him already. I am certain that these two will bond quickly through their shared Racing Bulls content creation trauma!

6. Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg

Stake is rebranding to become the Audi F1 Team this year, but their lineup is staying the same, with the 2025 rookie Gabi driving alongside Nico, a veteran in the field. Both teammates share a calm personality and the drive that every racing driver needs to succeed, and last year Nico’s mentorship helped Gabi grow and improve his performance as the season went on. This year should be no different, as both drivers will be pushing the limits of the new car and working hard to bring Audi plenty of points in its first season.

5. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Lando and Oscar are one of the closest duos on the grid, in terms of both competition and friendship. Similar to Charles and Lewis, the one thing that limits this lineup’s potential is the team mistakes that are made. During the 2025 championship fight, McLaren made things way too messy and the trophy came down to the wire within their own team. In 2026, my hope is that Lando and Oscar will be able to compete with no hard feelings or meddling on behalf of the team bosses, just like every other racing team.

The competing teammates congratulating each other after a successful race. Photo courtesy of Motorsport.com.

4. Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz

The beginning of last season was a little rough for Williams, but ultimately Alex and Carlos’ quick friendship brought good fortune to the team. The two work extremely well together and with team principal James Vowles, and they are continuing to work towards the same goals in 2026. With one season as teammates already under their belts, Alex and Carlos will be an unstoppable force if they have a competitive car this season.

3. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar

If you are up to date on Formula 1 curses and trends, you have surely heard of the curse of the second Red Bull seat. In 2026, Isack Hadjar will be the one filling this spot alongside 4 time world champion Max Verstappen, and the pressure is definitely on. However, many of Red Bull’s toxic team members have slowly drifted off over the past few years, and Isack knows his worth enough to understand why he deserves the seat. Max has already shown that he is welcoming Isack into the team and respects his skills, and I think this lineup will be a friendly one in 2026.

2. Valtteri Bottas and Checo Perez

Yes, I know this lineup is completely new for the 2026 season, but these two drivers are anything but rookies. They have driven on the same grid for several seasons before, now joining together to support the Cadillac project and reenter the sport they once dominated. Valtteri has already expressed his enjoyment in working with Checo many times, and it seems like the teammates are already becoming friends and gearing up to bring success to Cadillac - together.

1. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

Let's admit - Mercedes was incredibly strong last year. They finished second in the WCC thanks to the genius pairing of experienced driver George and rookie prodigy Kimi, both of which scored multiple podiums and a few wins last season. This season, Kimi will have an entire year of Formula 1 as experience that will prepare him for the season to come, and George has shown that he’s earned his title of Mr. Consistent. The duo works well both on and off of the track, and I believe that 2026 is their time to shine even brighter together as teammates.

The first round in Melbourne could not come fast enough, and I cannot wait to see which teams succeed from the first weekend to power through the rest of the season. Let me know which driver lineup you think is the strongest, and, as always, thanks so much for reading.

Lights out and away we go,

Lucy xx