2026 Championship contenders

Who will be crowned the champion of 2026?

Changes to the 2026 Cars

With the new regulations for the 2026 cars, Drivers are still learning the complexities of their car. Here's how the car has changed and what you need to know:

• Shorter Wheelbase: The wheelbase will be shorter, enhancing the car will be more responsive around corners.

• Narrower Front Wing: The front wing is narrower and smaller, which reduces downforce and makes for easier overtaking.

• 18-Inch Pirelli Tyres: The cars will have narrower 18-inch Pirelli tyres, which will reduce drag and grip, potentially making corners more difficult.

• No DRS: There will be no Drag Reduction System (DRS); instead, active aero will open front and back wings on the straights.

• Overtake Button: An overtake button will be available, but it can only be used in specific areas on the track.

• Engines: The engines are no longer 75% ice and 25% electric power, but 50-50.

These changes will significantly impact driving styles and strategies in the upcoming season.

information- https://www.formula1.com

George Russell-

Age- 28

First season- 2019

Debut with Mercedes- 2022

Podiums- 25

George Russell has consistency over races which has become a key thing that keeps him in the points and always a driver to look out for on track. He is team leader at Mercedes as his teammate is only in his second season. Russell also had one-lap pace this is a vital part of what helps him stay in the points. Russell had been labelled the 'tyre whisperer' after making a one-stop work in his favour.

The W17 is expected to be a strong vehicle, as the last time new engine regulations were introduced in 2014, Mercedes had an advantage over the other teams. This should put Russell in the prime position to win a championship.

Oscar Piastri-

Age- 24

First season- 2023

Debut with McLaren- 2023

Podiums- 26

Oscar Piastri manages to keep a calm head in most situations, which can be a key part of race strategy. He will also come into the 2026 season with bittersweet memories of his lost championship, but 2025 Oscar Piastri is in the past. He was still learning, and I believe the mistakes he made at the time were the only way for him to learn and grow to be able to fight for the 2026 championship. So he should not be ruled out just because he made mistakes in the backend of the 2025 season; in reality, Piastri was only 13 points from Norris in the end. Piastri's chances really depend on McLaren, as we all know it was the fastest car last year, but that might not stand this year.

Max Verstappen-

Age- 28

First season- 2016

Debut with Redbull- 2016

Podiums- 127

Never should Verstappen be ruled out as a contender for the championship. Verstappen is quick to learn his car, and although he can complain, he hardly finishes out of the points. He has the kind of edge to push around the other drivers, which sometimes can be necessary. The fate of Verstappen lies in the hands of Red Bull, whether their car works with the skills of Verstappen. Like I said before, Verstappen likes to share his issues with the car, which he already has, but at the end of the day, we all know he will be fierce on track and push through the field with ease.

Lando Norris-

Age- 26

First season- 2019

Debut with McLaren- 2019

Podiums- 44

The 2025 world champion. Last year, Norris was under immense pressure off the back of fighting Verstappen for the 2024 championship. This pressure carried into 2025 as he was now also against his own teammate for the championship, but this just proves that Norris can work under pressure. He delivered great results every race. Taking this into 2026, Norris will still be under pressure, although not as much. McLaren is still expected to be one of the fastest cars with their Mercedes power unit, but Norris should feel a sense of calm and achievement because he has done what every F1 driver sets out to do won a championship.