nigeriasport.ng

AI Forecasts the 2026 F1 Drivers' Championship Standings

After 16 races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has clearly taken control. They adapted best to the new regulations, winning the first six races straight. George Russell claimed victory in Australia, while teammate Kimi Antonelli won the next five races held in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.

Russell then secured a second win in Austria, and Antonelli added three more victories in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, building a strong lead at the top of the driver standings. Still, Russell managed to chip away at that lead with his win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, earned his first win since 2024 at Barcelona, marking a notable highlight for the Italian team. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, also notched a victory at Silverstone.

Last year’s champion, Lando Norris of McLaren, has two wins under his belt this season — one in Hungary and another at Circuit Zandvoort.

With seven races remaining after Max Verstappen's recent win at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, AI has stepped in to predict how the championship will wrap up.

Predicted 2026 F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings (Positions 23-1)

  • 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

Driver Highlights and Analysis

Pierre Gasly has rebounded from a disappointing 2025, climbing to 10th with Alpine. AI notes his steady midfield presence and consistent point-scoring despite Alpine not being front-runners.

Liam Lawson is set to finish ninth, reclaiming momentum with Racing Bulls after a tough stint at Red Bull. His return follows an injury to teammate Isack Hadjar.

Hadjar faces challenges due to missing three races with a wrist injury but still looks to finish eighth thanks to several solid results including a podium in Azerbaijan.

Oscar Piastri showed promise last year but struggled with consistency early this season. AI expects him to gather 217 points, with potential podiums and maybe a win, though overshadowed by teammate Norris.

Charles Leclerc remains a strong contender but AI predicts he won't claim the title this year. His season includes a mix of podiums, wins like Silverstone, and some crashes.

Lando Norris won't defend his championship successfully, expected to place fifth. Despite early wins and consistent finishes, setbacks like a DNF in Baku have hurt his chances.

Lewis Hamilton appears rejuvenated with Ferrari but AI suggests he'll finish far behind the leader. His experience brings steady podiums but sharing points with Leclerc limits his overall rank.

George Russell started well, winning in Australia and finishing on the podium multiple times but suffered critical DNFs and lower finishes. AI places him third, below teammate Antonelli.

Max Verstappen has faced challenges this season but remains competitive with eight podiums and a win in Malaysia. AI predicts he won’t regain the championship without a dominant car.

Kimi Antonelli has been the standout star. The young Mercedes driver stunned everyone with multiple wins and leads the championship comfortably despite fewer recent victories. AI forecasts him as the 2026 Drivers' Champion.

Related Articles