We predict the 2026 F1 driver market

02/03/25 • 68 min

2 Listeners

We dare to attempt to predict the 2026 Formula 1 driver market in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.

Jon Noble and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to run through the 11 teams and settle on the most likely pairings for 2026.

The likelihood of curveballs like Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move not working out and many more changing the game is addressed, as we lay out the market landscape.

Last year’s podcast attempting to do this was ultimately derailed by Hamilton’s shock Ferrari deal, and even with things seemingly being more settled heading into 2026 we explain why there’s still potential for a few surprises.

And as well as discussing the 10 existing teams, we also look at what Cadillac might do for its first season in F1.

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We dare to attempt to predict the 2026 Formula 1 driver market in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.

Jon Noble and Scott Mitchell-Malm join Edd Straw to run through the 11 teams and settle on the most likely pairings for 2026.

The likelihood of curveballs like Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move not working out and many more changing the game is addressed, as we lay out the market landscape.

And as well as discussing the 10 existing teams, we also look at what Cadillac might do for its first season in F1.

Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon - we even have an F1-only tier! Head to Patreon.com/therace

An edit of our London live show is available to purchase here (free for Champions tier members): https://www.patreon.com/posts/live-show-race-121105739
Follow The Race on Instagram, X and Facebook
Check out our latest videos on YouTube
Download our app on iOS or Android

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Previous Episode

Is Verstappen switching to Aston Martin inevitable?

Amid the talk of Max Verstappen heading to Aston Martin in 2026, we address the rumours in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.

In a follow-up recording to the live shows we recently staged in London and Birmingham, we tackle some of the vast number of questions we received from the audience - including one about the reigning world champion’s future.

We also discuss other aspects of Aston Martin’s rise, including the influence of Adrian Newey and Andy Cowell over driver decisions and Lance Stroll’s future.

Other topics include how Lewis Hamilton will handle Ferrari politics, why Red Bull eschewed Carlos Sainz and whether Andrea Stella could have had the same impact on Alpine as he has on McLaren.

We also ask how clearcut the decision was for Gabriel Bortoleto to sign for Sauber, what qualifies as success for Audi, the reasons for the expected increased field spread under the new regulations next year and much more.

Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon - we even have an F1-only tier! Head to Patreon.com/therace

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Next Episode

F1's flexi-wing rule U-turn - what's changed and which teams will it hurt?

We dissect Formula 1’s latest flexi-wings row in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast. Following news of a technical directive being issued curbing front wing flexibility, Jon Noble and Mark Hughes join Edd Straw to explain what’s changing and why.

Inevitably, there’s the question of which teams this could help and hinder to consider, as well as the political dimension as the usual competitive paranoia bubbles up among the ultra-competitive teams.

We also explain why flexi-wings can’t be regulated out of F1, and the reasons for the eternal push-and-pull battle between the rulemakers and teams on what’s permitted.

And with the rule change kicking in after eight races, we ask whether it could distort the season and lead to a competitive swing in June.

Want extra podcast content and to ask questions on the show? Join The Race Members' Club on Patreon - we even have an F1-only tier! Head to Patreon.com/therace