The Formula 1 grid for 2026 has been confirmed with the FIA publishing the complete list of race numbers for all drivers on the expanded roster. Lando Norris will carry the coveted number one on his McLaren after securing his first World Championship in 2025, while four-time champion Max Verstappen returns to his career number three. The 22-car grid features several notable returns and fresh faces, including Sergio Pérez’s comeback with the new Cadillac team and Arvid Lindblad stepping up to Racing Bulls with number 41.
Norris takes number one as Verstappen reverts to familiar choice
The reigning World Champion has opted to embrace the tradition of carrying number one, marking the first time since 2022 that a driver has chosen to display the champion’s designation rather than their permanent career number. Norris concluded the 2025 campaign with McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008, ending a dominant run by Verstappen that saw the Dutchman claim four consecutive championships from 2021 through 2024.
Verstappen confirmed through Red Bull Racing that he will race with number three in 2026, the same number he selected when entering Formula 1 and used before his championship streak began. The number holds personal significance for the 27-year-old, who wore it during his breakthrough seasons with the team.
Oscar Piastri maintains his 81 at McLaren, continuing the partnership that delivered the constructors’ championship to the Woking-based squad. The Australian driver’s retention of his number reflects the stability within a team that has emerged as the benchmark following their dominant 2025 campaign.
New faces select their permanent numbers
Several rookies and returning drivers have locked in their race numbers for the upcoming season. Arvid Lindblad, the highly-rated British driver graduating from Formula 2, will carry number 41 at Racing Bulls. The 19-year-old joins Liam Lawson, who retains number 30 after his promotion to the senior Red Bull squad in 2025.
Isack Hadjar’s placement at Red Bull Racing alongside Verstappen sees the French driver adopt number six. The 21-year-old replaces the departed Sergio Pérez, who has resurfaced at the new Cadillac entry with his familiar number 11. Pérez’s return to the grid after a one-year absence represents one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the season.
Franco Colapinto joins Alpine with number 43, solidifying the Argentine’s position after impressing during his substitute appearances in 2025. His partnership with Pierre Gasly, who continues with number 10, gives the French manufacturer a blend of experience and youthful ambition.
Ferrari and Mercedes lineups confirmed
The most anticipated driver pairing on the 2026 grid sees Lewis Hamilton retain his iconic number 44 at Ferrari, where he lines up alongside Charles Leclerc‘s number 16. The seven-time World Champion’s move from Mercedes represents the biggest driver transfer in recent Formula 1 history, and his number selection maintains continuity with the brand he has built throughout his career.
Mercedes has filled Hamilton’s vacancy with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who takes number 12 into his debut season. The Italian teenager partners George Russell, whose number 63 remains unchanged as he assumes the senior driver role within the Brackley team’s restructured lineup.
Expanded grid brings familiar faces back
The introduction of Cadillac as Formula 1’s eleventh team has created opportunities for drivers who faced uncertain futures. Alongside Pérez’s return, Valtteri Bottas re-enters the championship with number 77 after spending a season away from the sport. The Finnish driver brings considerable experience to the American manufacturer’s maiden campaign.
Carlos Sainz maintains number 55 at Williams, where he continues his partnership with Alexander Albon. The Thai-British driver’s number 23 remains a constant as Williams aims to build on the progress shown in recent seasons. Sainz’s move from Ferrari to Williams in 2025 positioned him as a team leader, and his number choice reflects his established identity within the paddock.
Aston Martin’s lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll continues unchanged, with the drivers retaining numbers 14 and 18 respectively. The stability extends to the Haas garage, where Esteban Ocon’s number 31 sits alongside Oliver Bearman’s 87 as the American team develops its young British talent.
What the number selections reveal
The 2026 number allocations demonstrate the grid’s evolution while honouring tradition. Gabriel Bortoleto’s selection of number 5 at the Audi-branded Sauber team marks one of the lower digits chosen by a rookie, suggesting confidence in building a lasting identity. The Brazilian joins Nico Hülkenberg, whose number 27 has become synonymous with resilience after multiple comebacks throughout his career.
The expanded 22-car grid represents Formula 1’s largest field since 2016, with the Cadillac entry providing a pathway back to the championship for experienced drivers while maintaining space for emerging talent. The number selections often carry personal meaning or numerical significance, creating identities that fans associate with driving styles and career trajectories.
As teams prepare for the regulatory reset that accompanies the 2026 season, the new power unit and aerodynamic regulations will test how quickly these driver pairings can adapt. With Norris defending his championship as number one and Verstappen hunting a fifth title, the stage is set for a campaign defined by both familiar rivalries and fresh competition across an expanded grid.
