Aston Martin Boasts Most Experienced Driver Lineup for 2026 F1 Season
Aston Martin fields the most experienced driver lineup for the 2026 F1 season, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll combining for 614 race starts, placing them ahead of Ferrari and Cadillac.
As Formula 1 prepares for a new era of regulations in 2026, Aston Martin has assembled the most experienced driver pairing on the grid. The team's combined total of 614 race starts, heavily weighted by Fernando Alonso's record-breaking career, puts them comfortably ahead of Ferrari and the new Cadillac entry in the experience rankings.
Why it matters:
With profound technical changes on the horizon for 2026, including new power units and aerodynamics, driver feedback will be more critical than ever. Teams are relying on veteran drivers to provide precise, nuanced input to navigate the development of these revolutionary machines and gain an early competitive edge over their rivals.
By the numbers:
A look at the top three most experienced lineups highlights the experience gap at the front of the grid:
- Aston Martin: 614 combined starts (Fernando Alonso - 425, Lance Stroll - 189)
- Ferrari: 551 combined starts (Lewis Hamilton - 380, Charles Leclerc - 171)
- Cadillac: 527 combined starts (Sergio Perez - 281, Valtteri Bottas - 246)
The big picture:
The 2026 grid showcases a stark contrast between seasoned veterans and fresh talent. While teams like Aston Martin and Ferrari lean heavily on experience, others are investing in youth. At the other end of the spectrum, Racing Bulls fields the least experienced pairing with just 35 combined starts, featuring the grid's sole rookie, Arvid Lindblad. This mix of experience and ambition will be a key storyline as the new regulations unfold.