We still have a few months left in the 2025 F1 season, but fans and sports gamblers have already set their sights on 2026. Some big changes could happen next year, including ex-Red Bull team principal Christian Horner pledging allegiance to a new team in the paddock.
If you often bet on F1, you need to have a clear idea about the drivers and team chemistry of each participant in the garage. So, make sure to have a look before you commit to any early wagers for the 2026 season.
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Without further ado, let’s have a look at the potential status of some F1 heavyweights:
Mercedes
It seems likely that Max Verstappen will miss out on his fifth successive Drivers Championship crown. However, with Horner out of the door, it also seems unlikely that the Dutchman will jump ship next season. Mercedes has long shown interest in Verstappen, but after losing their veteran team principal, Red Bull will be eager to hold on to their marquee driver.
George Russell has no fresh deal on the table, and he will be out of contract once the season ends. But as things stand, the odds of Russell leaving the team aren’t particularly high. He is expected to sign a contract extension after the season ends, unless Mercedes makes progress in their pursuit of Verstappen, which seems unlikely now.
The length of Russell’s extension also remains a key talking point. Russell, for his part, wants longer terms, but his leverage is minimal given that Mercedes signs his pay checks and manage his career. Rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli may have stumbled in recent races, yet he is still tipped to line up in silver come 2026.
Mercedes’ optimism about the 2026 regulations leaves Toto Wolff in a strong position. Short-term contracts for Russell and Antonelli would give them flexibility in the market.
Hamilton’s Ferrari deal runs out at the end of 2025 and could set off major changes if he retires or leaves. Verstappen, too, may look to force his way out if Red Bull are still floundering in a year’s time.
Cadillac
As the latest entry in the competition, all eyes will be on Cadillac next year as well. Overseen by General Motors and managed by former Manor boss Graeme Lowdon, the team has brought in former Grand Prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. According to reports, both drivers were at the top of Cadillac’s wishlist from the beginning.
“We are pretty much on schedule,” Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss said. “We have good weeks and bad weeks because it’s not this linear progress.”
“We feel pretty good about the progress that’s been made to this point,” he continued.
Perez has won six races in his 14-year F1 career and in 2023, he finished second behind Verstappen in the 2023 Drivers Championship.
Bottas, on the other hand, is the holder of an unwanted record. He has amassed 1797 points in the Drivers Championship throughout his career, but couldn’t win a title. No other driver in F1 history collected as many points without winning the championship.
The Finnish driver will look to change that at Cadillac. With an experienced partner like Perez alongside him, Bottas can expect to have a strong season with the new team.
Alpine
Pierre Gasly is the only Alpine driver to put some points on the board this season. The former Red Bull driver has come a long way since his Red Bull days, but Alpine needs to find better candidates for their second car.
Franco Colapinto joined the team as a reserve driver to put pressure on Jack Doohan. But none of them managed to live up to expectations. Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore has publicly stated that Colapinto must deliver better results to stay in the team, but the word on the street is, Alpine might give him a chance to prove himself next year.
Red Bull
Red Bull is set for a new chapter after Laurent Mekies has become the new team principal and CEO. Keeping Verstappen will be the biggest challenge they face. Sportsbooks are keeping a close eye on the recent developments, but as things stand, the Red Bull No.1 team is expected to keep hold of the Dutchman.
Yuki Tsunoda can’t say that he is doing enough to retain his seat. Mekies might give the Japanese driver more time, but if he doesn’t Isack Hadjar could get promoted to the team.