Teams and drivers
Who is on the grid, how teams are made up and what the numbers and codes mean.
Teams
- In 2026 there are 11 teams, so 22 cars on the grid. Cadillac is the newest team, and Audi has taken over the team that used to be Sauber.
- Each team runs two cars, so two drivers. See them all on the constructors page.
- A team designs and builds its own car. The engine, called the power unit, is built by the team (or its parent company) or supplied by a manufacturer such as Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi or Ford (with Red Bull).
- The team principal is like a football manager. They run the team, while the driver is the one on the pitch.
Drivers
- Each driver picks a number for their career, shown on the car. The reigning champion can choose to switch to #1.
- On TV and on Formula Live you'll see a three-letter code for each driver, like NOR or VER.
- Teammates are each other's first rival: same car, so it's the cleanest comparison of driver skill.
- Teams also have reserve drivers who step in if someone is ill or injured.
See every driver on the drivers page.