2026 F1 Grid: Six seats up for grabs as Perez and Bottas secure Cadillac spots

The 2026 Formula One season is going to be huge. New rules are coming for engines and cars, so teams need drivers who can handle big changes.

Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas just got lucky. The new Cadillac team picked them up when other teams didn’t want them anymore. These two drivers have raced in over 500 F1 races together and won 16 times; that’s quite the resume they will be taking to the brand new team. Notably, both got axed by Red Bull and Kick Sauber, respectively, at the end of 2024.

With Perez and Bottas taken, six good seats are still empty at top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, Alpine, and Racing Bulls for the 2026 lineup. Given the complexity, the teams would be in a delimma over whether to go for experienced drivers, who know what they are doing or with fast rookies who might be the next big thing?

Mercedes (Two Seats)

With uncertainty surrounding George Russell’s contract renewal and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s recent dip in form, coupled with Max Verstappen ruling out a move to the Silver Arrows, Mercedes may opt to retain Russell and Antonelli for 2026.

Red Bull (One Seat)

Yuki Tsunoda has not met Red Bull’s expectations since replacing Liam Lawson, scoring only 10 points so far. As a result, Red Bull may choose not to continue with Tsunoda in 2026. A promotion for 20-year-old RB driver Isack Hadjar is a likely possibility.

Alpine (One Seat)

Pierre Gasly is confirmed for 2026, but Franco Colapinto’s seat remains uncertain, with his position described as a race-by-race arrangement. Alpine could retain Colapinto for 2026 or explore other options, such as Felipe Drugovich or Zhou Guanyu.

Racing Bulls (Two Seats)

No drivers are confirmed for 2026, as Red Bull’s junior team faces tough decisions regarding its young talent. Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson could represent RB if not promoted to Red Bull. Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad are also potential options, though they are less experienced.