2026 F1 Grid Revealed: The Official Name of Every Car
The official chassis names for all 11 teams contesting the 2026 Formula 1 season have been confirmed. Cadillac's MAC-01, honoring Mario Andretti, was the final reveal, while Audi's R26 marks a clean break for the new manufacturer. The list showcases a mix of enduring team traditions and fresh naming philosophies for the new era.
Ahead of the 2026 season opener in Australia, the full grid of Formula 1 cars now has official names, with Cadillac's MAC-01 being the final reveal. While most teams continue long-running naming traditions, new entrants Audi and Cadillac are setting their own trends for their F1 ventures.
Why it matters:
The chassis name is more than just a label; it's a piece of team identity and heritage. In a season defined by major new technical regulations, these names become the first tangible symbols of each team's 2026 campaign and their engineering philosophy. For new teams, it's a foundational step in building their legacy.
The Details:
- Cadillac's Debut: The new American team named its car the MAC-01, paying direct homage to 1978 World Champion Mario Andretti, a key figure in the squad's formation. The '01' denotes its status as the team's first-ever F1 chassis.
- Audi's New Era: Following its takeover of Sauber, Audi has broken from the former team's tradition, naming its car the R26. This clean, performance-focused designation marks a fresh start for the German manufacturer.
- Continuing Traditions: Most established teams have maintained their iconic naming schemes, with the number incrementing for the new season.
- Ferrari continues with SF-26 (Scuderia Ferrari).
- McLaren rolls out the MCL40.
- Mercedes presents the W17.
- Red Bull launches the RB22.
- Williams uses FW48.
- Aston Martin fields the AMR26.
- Haas runs the VF-26.
- Alpine debuts the A526.
- Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) continues with VCARB03.
What's Next:
With the cars now officially named, focus shifts entirely to their performance on track. The Australian Grand Prix will provide the first real-world test of which chassis—be it a tradition-rich SF-26 or a new-era MAC-01—has best interpreted the 2026 regulations. The names on the timing screens will soon carry far more weight than those on the entry list.