Take a look at the drivers on standby, prepared to step in at any point during the 2026 season.
With every point vital in such a competitive championship, having dependable reserve drivers on standby is essential. Formula 1 teams must be ready for any situation, including the chance that a lead driver could miss a race weekend due to illness or injury.
So, which drivers have teams selected to step in if the unexpected happens?
McLaren
- Leonardo Fornaroli: The most recent Formula 2 Champion, Fornaroli joined McLaren’s Driver Development Program after winning the title. He will work as a Test and Development Driver while also helping improve the team’s performance through simulator work.
- Pato O’Ward: IndyCar driver O’Ward will be McLaren’s reserve driver for the third year in a row. He has experience from previous FP1 sessions with McLaren and will continue focusing on his full-time IndyCar career while helping McLaren when possible.
Mercedes
- Fred Vesti: Vesti has been with Mercedes since 2021 and will now be their main reserve driver after strong performances in testing. He will continue working on the simulator while Mercedes aims to return to the top.
Red Bull
- Yuki Tsunoda: After a tough 2025 season, Tsunoda was replaced by Isack Hadjar. He will now serve as a test and reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls, ready to step in if needed.
Ferrari
- Antonio Giovinazzi: Giovinazzi, who raced for Alfa Romeo until 2021, will stay with Ferrari as a reserve driver while also racing in the World Endurance Championship for Ferrari AF Corse.
Williams
- Luke Browning: After a great season in F2, Browning has been promoted to Williams’ reserve driver for 2026. He will work with the team on data and performance while also racing in the Japanese Super Formula Championship.
Racing Bulls
- Yuki Tsunoda: Tsunoda returns as a reserve for both Racing Bulls and Red Bull after a few years in a full-time seat.
- Ayumu Iwasa: After winning the Super Formula title, Iwasa will be Racing Bulls’ reserve driver while also defending his championship in Super Formula.
Aston Martin
- Jak Crawford: After missing out on the F2 title, Crawford joined Aston Martin as a full-time reserve driver. He made his FP1 debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix and impressed in post-season testing.
- Stoffel Vandoorne: Vandoorne, a former F1 driver with experience in Formula E and WEC, joined Aston Martin in 2023 as a reserve driver after a successful career in other motorsport series.
Haas
- Jack Doohan: After a brief time as a full-time driver with Alpine, Doohan joined Haas as a reserve driver, bringing valuable F1 experience to the team.
- Ryo Hirakawa: Hirakawa, with success in endurance racing, will be Haas’ reserve driver after working with McLaren and Alpine in the past.
Audi
- TBC: Audi, who are debuting in F1 in 2026, haven’t yet confirmed their reserve driver but have signed Freddie Slater and Emma Felbermayr to their Driver Development Program.
Alpine
- Paul Aron: Aron, who joined Alpine in 2024, is now their reserve driver after competing in F2. He will also continue to work on the simulator.
- Kush Maini: Maini, another member of the Alpine Academy, stepped up as a Test and Reserve Driver for 2025. He will continue his work in the simulator and also race in F2.
Cadillac
- Zhou Guanyu: Zhou, previously with Sauber, has joined Cadillac as a reserve driver, working alongside his former teammate Valtteri Bottas. He will help the team with his experience while racing for them in future events.
