F1 2026 grid predicted as Lewis Hamilton quits Ferrari and Max Verstappen joins new team

The Formula One grid could look very different ahead of the 2026 season with several stars expected to be on the move. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen may depart Ferrari and Red Bull, respectively, ahead of the new year. Express Sport predicts what the 2026 grid may look like…

Lewis Hamilton brutally claimed that he should be sacked by Ferrari after he finished 12th in the Hungarian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion’s position could be untenable if his poor form continues in the second half of the season.

“It’s me every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless,” Hamilton said. “The team have no problem. You’ve seen the car’s on pole. So we probably need to change driver.”

Ferrari could call upon Oliver Bearman or the highly rated F3 champion Rafael Camara, who are both members of their driver academy. However, the Italian outfit may instead go for the tried and tested Sainz, who consistently performed well before being axed for Hamilton. The Spaniard has complained about Williams’ set-up since joining them.

Aston Martin – Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso

Verstappen is yet to fully commit to Red Bull for the 2026 season, despite suggesting that he will remain. Every team on the grid would be desperate to sign the four-time world champion if he leaves the Milton Keynes team.

Aston Martin reportedly made a huge offer to Verstappen last year and would surely be the favourites to sign the Dutchman, particularly with George Russell likely to remain at Mercedes. Fernando Alonso is contracted for 2026.

Replacing Verstappen would be an unenviable task. Liam Lawson seems unlikely to return from Racing Bulls after being dismissed by Red Bull early in the season. Isack Hadjar has impressed after a tricky start.

Tsunoda has become the latest driver to struggle alongside Verstappen. But in the absence of anyone else, the 25-year-old will surely retain his seat. This could be the best opportunity for Red Bull to rebuild.

Mercedes – George Russell and Kimi Antonelli

Uncertainty over Russell’s future has subsided, with the British driver confirming that he is close to signing a new contract. Russell has performed well and embraced being Mercedes’ more senior driver after playing second-fiddle to Hamilton for two years.

Mercedes will hope that Antonelli irons out some of his weaknesses in 2026, but the Italian has largely performed exceptionally well.

McLaren – Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris

Barring a major surprise, McLaren will maintain their driver line-up for 2026. Piastri and Norris have battled for the Drivers’ Championship, and the title will ultimately go to one of them.

Norris has a long-term deal with McLaren, which was signed to fend off reported interest from Red Bull.

Williams – Alex Albon and Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton will surely not call time on his F1 career and could choose to compete for one of the teams lower down the grid. In 2020, the 40-year-old said he “dreamed” of driving for Williams as a kid, having idolised Sir Frank Williams.

It could be another swap for Hamilton and Sainz, the latter of whom stepped aside for the Briton at Ferrari.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will surely remain with McLaren (Image: Getty)

Racing Bulls – Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad

Lawson will need a new partner if Hadjar replaces Verstappen at Red Bull. British-Swedish teenager Lindblad would be the likeliest option, with the 17-year-old recently receiving his Super Licence from the FIA.

Lindblad, who has two F2 wins this season, is expected to play a major role at Red Bull in the years to come.

Haas – Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon

If Haas can retain Bearman for next season, they will start 2026 with the same line-up. Haas are ninth in the Constructors’ Championship and there is significant room for improvement.

However, Bearman has now settled into his rookie season and seems set for a better second half of the year.

Alpine – Pierre Gasly and Valtteri Bottas

Franco Colapinto has failed to win a single point this season and seems likely to be replaced. Some reports claim that former Mercedes driver Bottas has held talks over returning to the grid.

Felipe Drugovich or Aron Paul are other candidates, should Flavio Briatore decide he wants a younger replacement.

Sauber – Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Hulkenberg has enjoyed an excellent return to the grid and even scored his first-ever podium finish at the British Grand Prix. Bortoleto has not performed quite as well, but with 14 points, Sauber could decide to give the Brazilian another year.