2026 F1 Grid Prediction From Three Years Ago Resurfaces and the Results Are Wild

Back in 2023, a popular Formula 1 YouTube channel tried to predict all the driver line-ups for the 2026 season.

In three months' time, the new F1 campaign will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix, taking place around Albert Park in Melbourne.

Ahead of what is billed to be a classic, a lot of changes have been made to the sport.

Firstly, the technical regulations have been revamped, with cars set to be much lighter and more agile, which promises to bring closer battles on track.

In addition, there will be an 11th team on the grid, with Cadillac making their debut in F1.

The American outfit signed experienced duo Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as their drivers for 2026.

Back in 2023, popular F1 YouTube channel, P1 with Matt & Tommy, tried to predict the entire grid for the 2026 season.

Sergio Perez will drive for Cadillac in 2026. Image: Getty

One thing that has to be noted is that back then, there was no confirmation that Cadillac would become the 11th, so Matt and Tommy only predicted driver line-ups for existing teams.

They kicked off their predictions by naming the Williams line-up, with Matt going for Alex Albon and Frederik Vesti; meanwhile, Tommy went for Logan Sargeant and Frederik Vesti. Of course, Albon will drive for Williams in 2026, but he is partnered with Carlos Sainz.

Through the entire video, only one driver line-up was predicted correctly, with Matt naming Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll as his 2026 picks for Aston Martin.

Both YouTubers thought Lewis Hamilton would be retired, while they also predicted that Lando Norris, who won the 2025 world title, would no longer be with McLaren.

Meanwhile, 2025 rookies Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar were both snubbed.

P1 with Matty and Tommy's F1 2026 line-up predictions in full:

Williams

Matt - Alex Albon - Frederik Vesti

Tommy - Logan Sargeant - Frederik Vesti

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls

M - Ayumu Iwasa, Gabriel Bortoleto

T - Yuki Tsunoda, Ayumu Iwasa

Audi

M - Lando Norris, Theo Pourchaire

T - Mick Schumacher, Carlos Sainz

Haas

M - Kevin Magnussen, Mick Schumacher

T - Kimi Antonelli, Sergio Perez

Alpine

M - Esteban Ocon, Zhou Guanyu

T - Zhou Guanyu, Theo Pourchaire

McLaren

M - Oscar Piastri, Sergio Perez

T - Oscar Piastri, Colton Herta

Ferrari

M - Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly

T - Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon

Mercedes

M - Charles Leclerc, George Russell

T - Esteban Ocon, George Russell

Aston Martin

M - Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso

T - Lance Stroll, Charles Leclerc

Red Bull

M - Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda

T - Max Verstappen, Lando Norris