AI Forecasts 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings
AI Forecast for the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship
Sixteen races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has largely dominated the field. The German team adapted best to new regulations, clinching the first six races. George Russell opened the season with a win in Australia, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli secured victories in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.
Russell later added another win in Austria, whereas Antonelli triumphed again in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, establishing a comfortable lead atop the drivers’ standings. However, Russell narrowed the gap with his victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Despite Mercedes' dominance, they didn't always take first place. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton earned his first win since 2024—and his first with Ferrari—in Barcelona, while teammate Charles Leclerc won at Silverstone. Last year's champion, Lando Norris, also notched two wins: Hungary and Circuit Zandvoort.
With seven races remaining after Max Verstappen’s recent victory in Malaysia at the Bahrain Grand Prix, AI has predicted the full final Drivers' Championship, revealing some surprising insights.
Predicted 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings (23 to 1)
- 23. Sergio Perez - Cadillac: 0 points
- 22. Valtteri Bottas - Cadillac: 1 point
- 21. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin: 2 points
- 20. Yuki Tsunoda - Racing Bulls: 2 points
- 19. Alex Albon - Williams: 9 points
- 18. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin: 11 points
- 17. Carlos Sainz Jr - Williams: 12 points
- 16. Esteban Ocon - Haas: 14 points
- 15. Nico Hulkenberg - Audi: 16 points
- 14. Gabriel Bortoleto - Audi: 20 points
- 13. Oliver Bearman - Haas: 28 points
- 12. Franco Colapinto - Alpine: 39 points
- 11. Arvid Lindblad - Racing Bulls: 61 points
- 10. Pierre Gasly - Alpine: 62 points
- 9. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls/Red Bull: 100 points
- 8. Isack Hadjar - Red Bull: 156 points
- 7. Oscar Piastri - McLaren: 217 points
- 6. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari: 267 points
- 5. Lando Norris - McLaren: 279 points
- 4. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari: 292 points
- 3. George Russell - Mercedes: 312 points
- 2. Max Verstappen - Red Bull: 313 points
- 1. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes: 428 points
Key Driver Insights
Pierre Gasly recovered from a poor 2025 season, rising to 10th place with Alpine. AI praised him as one of the most consistent midfield drivers, likely to score points regularly despite Alpine not battling at the front.
Liam Lawson aims to revive his F1 career with Racing Bulls after a difficult time at Red Bull, projected to finish ninth with 100 points.
Isack Hadjar is expected to conclude eighth, gathering 156 points despite missing three races due to a wrist injury. His podium in Azerbaijan marked a strong comeback.
Oscar Piastri showed promise last year but struggled late in the season. AI foresees 217 points this year, with podium finishes and possibly a win, sharing the spotlight with teammate Norris.
Charles Leclerc remains a strong contender with 267 points predicted. After mixed results early on, including a win at Silverstone, he continues chasing his first world title.
Lando Norris will not defend his title successfully, finishing fifth with 279 points. Despite winning twice, a recent DNF in Baku hurt his chances.
Lewis Hamilton shines with Ferrari, scoring consistent podiums and winning in Barcelona, though AI expects him to stay over 100 points behind the leader.
George Russell started well but suffered setbacks. His second victory in Azerbaijan helped, yet DNFs continue to hinder his title hopes, placing him third overall.
Max Verstappen took his first win in Malaysia after eight podiums this season. AI views him as one of F1's greats but doubts he can win the title without a dominant car.
Kimi Antonelli has surprised many by dominating his second season with Mercedes. At just 20, he leads comfortably and is predicted to clinch the championship despite winning only three of the last ten races.
