The Family Tree of F1's 11 Teams and How They Came to Be

Formula 1 returns in 2025 with a full grid of 11 teams, each carrying a unique legacy shaped by decades of evolution, rebranding, and corporate transformation. As Cadillac prepares to join the grid in 2026 as a brand-new entrant, it’s a fitting moment to trace the complex roots of every team currently competing. From Ferrari's uninterrupted presence since 1950 to Mercedes' modern-day dominance born from a one-pound buyout, the stories behind these squads reveal how deep the sport’s history runs.

McLaren: A Legacy Forged in New Zealand

Founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, the team made its F1 debut just three years later with its founder behind the wheel. After clinching their first victory at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix, the team faced tragedy in 1970 with McLaren’s death while testing a Can-Am car. Despite this loss, the legacy endured. Over the years, McLaren has secured 13 Drivers’ Championships and 10 Constructors’ titles, featuring legendary drivers such as Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna. With over 200 Grands Prix victories, McLaren remains the second-oldest team in F1 history.

Mercedes: The Return of the Silver Arrows

Mercedes competed in F1’s early years in 1954 and 1955 with Juan Manuel Fangio before withdrawing for decades. The modern team traces its origins to Tyrell, founded in 1970. After being purchased by British American Racing (BAR) in 1998, then rebranded as Honda between 2006 and 2008, the squad was famously bought for £1 by Ross Brawn following Honda’s exit. In 2009, Brawn GP achieved one of the sport’s greatest underdog triumphs, with Jenson Button winning the Drivers’ Championship. Mercedes acquired the team ahead of 2010 and has since dominated, securing eight Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ Championships—six with Lewis Hamilton and one with Nico Rosberg.

Red Bull Racing: From Stewart to Supremacy

Red Bull Racing’s lineage begins with Jackie Stewart, who co-founded Stewart Grand Prix in 1997. Ford bought the team and rebranded it as Jaguar Racing in 2000. After Ford’s 2004 exit, Red Bull acquired the team, launching Red Bull Racing in 2005. Under Christian Horner’s leadership, the team flourished with Sebastian Vettel winning four consecutive Drivers’ Championships (2010–2013), followed by Max Verstappen’s titles in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. With eight Drivers’ and six Constructors’ Championships, Red Bull is a powerhouse of the modern era.

Ferrari: The Unbroken Legacy

Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every F1 season since the championship began in 1950. The Scuderia's iconic red cars and passionate tifosi reflect 76 years of history. Legends like Alberto Ascari, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher have all donned the red overalls. Although their last Constructors’ title came in 2008 and their last Drivers’ Championship with Kimi Räikkönen in 2007, Ferrari remains committed to restoring its former glory.

Williams: A British Institution Rebuilding

Established in 1977 by Frank Williams and Patrick Head, Williams entered F1 in 1978. Alan Jones delivered both championships in 1980, marking rapid success. The team went on to win nine Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ Championships with stars like Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve (1997). After decades of decline, Dorilton Capital bought the team in 2020. Under Team Principal James Vowles, Williams is slowly rebuilding, determined to reclaim past glories.

Racing Bulls: Red Bull’s Evolving Junior Arm

Originally Minardi (1985–2005), the team was acquired by Red Bull and rebranded as Toro Rosso in 2006 to develop young talent. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Sainz Jr. rose through its ranks. In 2020, it became AlphaTauri, then RB in 2024, and finally Racing Bulls in 2025. The rebranding reflects Red Bull’s strategy of nurturing future stars while maintaining a competitive satellite team.

Aston Martin: The Long Road Back

Aston Martin’s F1 journey began in 1959, but a poor performance led to a quick exit. The current team traces back to Jordan (1991), founded by Eddie Jordan. After ownership shifts to Midland, then Spyker, Force India emerged in 2008. A consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll rescued the team from administration in 2018. Competing as Racing Point in 2019–2020, Stroll secured a stake in Aston Martin to launch a full factory return in 2021—61 years after the first attempt.

Haas: The American Outpost

Haas is the first American-led team in F1 since 1986, debuting in 2016. Owner Gene Haas leveraged Marussia’s former Banbury facility and assets. Under Team Principal Gunther Steiner, Haas achieved an impressive P8 finish in their inaugural season. Their best result to date was fifth in the 2018 Constructors’ Championship. Despite recent challenges, the team remains competitive, fielding experienced drivers and focusing on steady progress.

Audi: The Future Arrives in 2026

Audi will enter F1 in 2026 as a works team using the Swiss-based Sauber operation. Founded in 1993, Sauber had prior success under BMW (2006–2009), including Robert Kubica’s sole win in 2008. After reacquiring the team, Peter Sauber returned his name to the outfit. Alfa Romeo’s sponsorship from 2018 obscured its identity until Audi’s 2022 announcement. The team will race as Sauber, supported by Kick, before transitioning fully to Audi. The goal? Develop in-house power units by 2029.

Alpine: Renault’s Alpine Rebirth

Alpine’s roots lie in Toleman (1981), famously giving Ayrton Senna his debut. Purchased by Benetton in 1986, the team won titles with Michael Schumacher (1994–1995). Renault acquired it in 2002, winning two Drivers’ and two Constructors’ titles with Fernando Alonso. After a Lotus phase (2012–2015), Renault returned in 2016. A final rebrand in 2021 introduced Alpine. Though title contention remains distant, drivers like Alonso, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly have secured six podiums in recent seasons.

Cadillac: General Motors’ Grand Prix Gamble

Cadillac will become F1’s 11th team in 2026, backed by General Motors. Approved in March 2025, the team is establishing a Silverstone HQ while maintaining U.S. bases. They will initially use Ferrari engines, aiming to produce their own power units by 2029. Graeme Lowdon, formerly with Virgin and Marussia, leads as Team Principal. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez form a seasoned lineup, signaling Cadillac’s serious intent to compete from the outset.

Conclusion: A Grid Shaped by Evolution

The current F1 grid is a tapestry of rebirth, reinvention, and resilience. Teams like Ferrari stand as monuments to F1’s origins, while newcomers like Cadillac and Audi represent its future. Whether through lineage, ownership changes, or rebranding, each team carries a story that underscores the dynamic nature of the sport. As regulations evolve and new manufacturers enter, the family tree of F1 will continue to grow—bridging history with innovation.