FIA Publishes Official 2026 F1 Entry List and Driver Numbers

The FIA has officially released the entry list for the 2026 Formula 1 season, confirming the full 22-driver grid and their permanent numbers. The list highlights a symbolic shift at the top, with Lando Norris adopting the number one plate as reigning champion and Max Verstappen moving to a new number, signaling the start of a new competitive era under fresh technical regulations.

Why it matters:

The entry list is the first concrete snapshot of the 2026 grid, locking in driver line-ups and numbers ahead of the sport's next major regulation overhaul. The choice of numbers, particularly the prestigious number one and Verstappen's switch, acts as a subtle marker of the changing competitive hierarchy and sets the stage for the new era.

The details:

• Champion's Privilege: Newly crowned world champion Lando Norris will race with the number one on his McLaren, a traditional choice that underscores his status as the driver to beat.
• Verstappen's New Identity: Max Verstappen, having used number one since 2021, will not revert to his old number 33. Instead, he has selected the number three for his Red Bull, a minimalist change that breaks a long-standing personal tradition.
• Sole Rookie: The grid features one confirmed rookie: Red Bull junior and reigning F2 champion Arvid Lindblad, who will drive for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls with the number 41.
• Familiar Faces in New Places: Veteran drivers Sergio Perez (number 11) and Valtteri Bottas (number 77) are confirmed at the new Cadillac F1 Team entry, retaining their iconic numbers.
• Team Naming Updates: The list reflects several updated team identities, including the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team, TGR Haas F1 Team (with Toyota as title partner), and the Audi Revolut F1 Team (though the constructor is still listed as Sauber).

The big picture:

Beyond the driver numbers, the list confirms the full scope of the 2026 grid, which sees the arrival of new manufacturer entries like Audi and Cadillac. The stability in most driver line-ups, coupled with key strategic moves like Carlos Sainz to Williams and Andrea Kimi Antonelli's promotion at Mercedes, provides a clear picture of the personnel landscape teams will take into the new technical era. The locked-in numbers make the 2026 season feel tangibly closer.

What's next:

With the administrative framework now set, teams will intensify their development of the all-new 2026 cars. The driver numbers and team line-ups published today will become a familiar sight as testing and the launch season approach, making the impending regulation change a concrete reality for fans and the paddock.