FIA publishes official 2026 F1 entry list and driver numbers

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The FIA has officially rolled out the full entry list for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship – and with it, a set of driver numbers that quietly signal a changing of the guard.

New rules, new teams, new branding… and for two of the sport’s biggest names, brand-new numbers on their cars.

At the top of the list sits Lando Norris, now carrying the status every driver dreams of. Fresh from claiming his first world title, the McLaren star has opted to embrace tradition and will race with the iconic number one on his car in 2026 – a choice that instantly marks him out as the man everyone will be chasing.

That decision forces a notable shift elsewhere. Max Verstappen, who has run the number one plate since his breakthrough championship success in 2021, will move on from it next season.

But rather than returning to his long-time favourite 33, the Red Bull driver has chosen a minimalist alternative: number three.

It’s a subtle change, but one that neatly underlines how different the competitive landscape could look when Formula 1’s next regulation era begins.

A New Look Grid for a New Era

There’s also a fresh face joining the party. Arvid Lindblad will be the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, lining up with Red Bull’s sister outfit, Racing Bulls. The highly rated newcomer has selected number 41 for his debut campaign – a number that will be watched closely as expectations follow him into his first F1 season.

Elsewhere, familiarity makes a welcome return. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are both back on the grid with brand-new manufacturer entry Cadillac, and both drivers are sticking with the numbers that have defined their careers. Bottas will once again carry 77, while Perez resumes duties with 11.

The entry list also reveals a few interesting technicalities behind the scenes. Sauber still appears by name, despite the Swiss squad gearing up to become Audi’s official works team as the German giant prepares for its long-awaited F1 debut.

Team identities are evolving too. McLaren will compete under the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team banner after expanding its relationship with the global brand, while Haas enters a new commercial chapter as TGR Haas F1 Team, following Toyota’s arrival as title partner.

With the numbers now locked in and the grid officially confirmed, the countdown to 2026 feels very real. New rules will rewrite the competitive order – but before a wheel has even turned, the FIA’s entry list has already given fans their first clues about Formula 1’s next chapter.

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