{"id":12310,"date":"2026-02-02T16:13:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motorsporttickets.com\/blog\/?p=12310"},"modified":"2026-02-04T09:37:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T09:37:11","slug":"2026-f1-reserve-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/motorsporttickets.com\/blog\/2026-f1-reserve-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Who are the F1 Reserve Drivers for every team? Full 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

F1 reserve drivers play a vital but often overlooked role in Formula 1. While only 22 drivers start Grands Prix each season, every team relies on reserve drivers to step in at short notice, run practice sessions and support car development behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, F1 reserve drivers have become increasingly important, with several called up unexpectedly and others using the role as a pathway to a full-time race seat. As teams balance experience with future talent, reserve drivers remain a key part of the modern F1 landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So who are the F1 reserve drivers for every team in 2026? Below is a complete, team-by-team guide to the reserve and third drivers currently on the Formula 1 grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Official 2026 F1 tickets<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"COTA<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is an F1 Reserve Driver?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An F1 reserve driver is a contracted driver who is eligible to replace a team\u2019s race driver if required. Although they do not usually compete in Grands Prix, F1 reserve drivers must be ready to step in at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their responsibilities typically include simulator work, Free Practice 1 appearances, and supporting car development throughout the season. Many F1 reserve drivers also compete in other championships such as Formula 2 or Formula E, ensuring they remain race-ready. All reserve drivers must hold an FIA Super Licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many F1 Reserve Drivers does each team have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some teams elect for just one reserve driver, while some opt for multiple, choosing to invest in young and upcoming talent and give them a taste of being part of the main team in the case that they have to step up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, who has each team selected for 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While most teams have announced who they’ll have in reserve in case a driver from their main lineup is unable to participate, some are still to be confirmed but expected to be announced in the very near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alpine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paul Aron \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paul Aron is one of Alpine\u2019s standout junior prospects, having finished third in the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship after progressing through Formula 3 and the European F4 ranks. He joined Alpine\u2019s driver programme in 2025 and has since gained valuable experience through Formula 1 free practice outings and testing duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kush Maini<\/strong> \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kush Maini is a member of the Alpine Academy and competes in Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix, where he has scored podiums and race wins. Appointed as an Alpine Test and Reserve Driver in 2025, he supports the team through simulator and testing work while also acting as a Formula E reserve driver for Mahindra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Entering a big season for Team Enstone! \ud83d\udc4a

Here is Alpine's line-up as we head into 2026 \u2b07\ufe0f#F1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/0fZU3iRm7y<\/a><\/p>— Formula 1 (@F1) January 28, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>