Formula 1's grid will grow to 11 teams in 2026 for the first time in a decade, highlighted by Cadillac's entry under General Motors. As detailed in our prior coverage of Cadillac's preparations—including its driver lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, team principal Graeme Lowdon, and Super Bowl livery reveal—this overview traces the origins and evolutions of every team on the grid.
Cadillac received final approval for its 2026 entry in March 2025, establishing headquarters in Silverstone, UK, with additional US bases. The team will use Ferrari engines initially, planning its own power units by 2029.
McLaren, founded in 1963 by Bruce McLaren, debuted in F1 in 1966. It has won 13 Drivers’ Championships and 10 Constructors’ titles, with its first victory at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix. Icons like Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna helped secure over 200 Grand Prix wins.
Mercedes evolved from Tyrrell (1970), through British American Racing, Honda, and Brawn GP—purchased by Ross Brawn for one pound in 2009, yielding Jenson Button's title. Mercedes acquired it in 2010, dominating with eight Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ Championships via Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Red Bull began as Stewart Grand Prix (1997), rebranded to Jaguar (2000), and was acquired by Red Bull in 2004. It has six Constructors’ titles and eight Drivers’ Championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
Ferrari, the sole continuous team since 1950, spans 76 years with its iconic scarlet livery. Legends include Alberto Ascari and Michael Schumacher; its last Constructors’ title was 2008, with Kimi Raikkonen's 2007 Drivers’ win.
Williams, co-founded in 1977 by Frank Williams and Patrick Head, debuted in 1978. Alan Jones delivered its first titles in 1980, followed by six more Drivers’ Championships through Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve (1997). Dorilton Capital bought it in 2020; James Vowles is current team principal.
Racing Bulls originated from Minardi (1985-2005), evolving through Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri, RB, and Racing Bulls (2025). It has developed stars like Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz.
Aston Martin first raced in 1959, withdrew in 1960, and returned via Jordan (1991), Midland, Spyker, Force India, and Racing Point. Lawrence Stroll's group saved it in 2018, rebranding to Aston Martin in 2021.
Haas, entering in 2016 using Marussia's former base, saw Romain Grosjean score points in its debut year under Guenther Steiner. It peaked at P5 in 2018 and has shown recent recovery.
Audi joins via Sauber (1993), sold to BMW (2005; Robert Kubica's 2008 win), repurchased in 2010, and sponsored by Alfa Romeo. Audi's full takeover follows a 2022 announcement.
Alpine started as Toleman (1981), became Benetton (Michael Schumacher's 1994-1995 titles), Renault (Fernando Alonso's 2005-2006 wins), Lotus, Renault again, and Alpine (2021), with recent podium finishes.
These storied histories underscore F1's dynamic evolution ahead of the 2026 regulations.
