After a run of race wins for Kimi Antonelli across the opening rounds of the season, a different name has stood on the top step of the podium at the last four races, hinting at what could be a multi-driver fight for the championship.
Antonelli remains at the top of the standings following his five back-to-back victories between China and Monaco, with George Russell having won the season opener in Australia – but it was Lewis Hamilton who became the first non-Mercedes driver to triumph when he secured his maiden victory for Ferrari in Barcelona.
Russell then returned to winning ways at the next event in Austria, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc seized victory one week later at the British Grand Prix, marking the Monegasque’s first win since 2024.
With a mechanical issue seeing Antonelli drop down the order at Silverstone – not long after the Italian suffered a DNF with a car problem in Barcelona – the championship leader is facing increased competition from his rivals, his margin over Russell now standing at just 25 points.
Others have also hinted at their potential in recent rounds. Lando Norris scored a podium for McLaren in Barcelona – as well as another top-three finish in the Silverstone Sprint – while Max Verstappen continues to push in the Red Bull, taking second place at the team’s home event in Spielberg.
With 13 rounds remaining, it is still all very much to play for – so, who are you backing to ultimately win the World Championship in 2026? Have your say in our poll below!
.webp?ssl=1 "James Hinchcliffe picks his top five drivers of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far")
