AI Forecasts the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings
After 16 rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has shown clear dominance. The team adapted best to new regulations, winning the first six races. George Russell claimed victory in Australia, while teammate Kimi Antonelli took the next five wins across China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.
Russell scored again in Austria, and Antonelli added three more wins in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, building a strong lead in the standings. Yet, Russell narrowed the gap with his Azerbaijan Grand Prix win.
Ferrari also made an impact; Lewis Hamilton earned his first victory since 2024, and his first with Ferrari, in Barcelona. Charles Leclerc secured a win at Silverstone. Meanwhile, last year's champion, Lando Norris, notched two wins for McLaren in Hungary and Zandvoort.
With seven races left, AI predictions based on recent results, including Max Verstappen’s Malaysian Grand Prix win, offer some surprising insights into the championship's conclusion.
Predicted 2026 Drivers' Championship Standings
- 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
Notable Driver Summaries
Pierre Gasly has recovered from a poor 2025 season. AI projects him to finish 10th with Alpine, highlighting his consistency despite Alpine’s midfield status.
Liam Lawson is making a comeback after a rough stint with Red Bull. Now with Racing Bulls, he's forecasted to finish ninth, aiming to secure his seat for next year.
Isack Hadjar, returning from injury, is predicted to take eighth place for Red Bull. Though missing several races hurt his tally, podium finishes indicate solid form.
Oscar Piastri had a rocky start but managed podiums with McLaren. AI expects him seventh overall, sharing points with teammate Norris.
Charles Leclerc shows consistency for Ferrari but struggles with reliability. He should finish sixth, behind teammate Hamilton who ranks fourth thanks to his experience and steady podiums.
Lando Norris won the 2025 title but AI predicts he’ll drop to fifth this year due to inconsistent results and a DNF in Baku.
George Russell started strongly but has been overshadowed by Antonelli. His victories and podiums are impressive, yet DNFs have hindered his title hopes, placing him third.
Max Verstappen, despite being a four-time world champion, hasn’t dominated this season. Eight podiums and a late win keep him competitive, but AI doubts he can reclaim the crown, predicting second place.
Kimi Antonelli is the standout story. After a shaky rookie year, the 20-year-old has dominated 2026 with multiple wins and a commanding points lead, set to claim the championship.
