AI Forecasts the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings
After 16 races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes have shown clear dominance, adapting best to the new regulations. George Russell took the season opener in Australia, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli won five consecutive races in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.
Russell added another victory in Austria, and Antonelli secured three more wins in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, building a strong lead in the drivers' standings. Despite this, Russell reduced the gap by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton claimed his first victory since 2024, and his first with the team, at Barcelona. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, also notched a win at Silverstone. Meanwhile, last year's champion Lando Norris won twice, at Hungary and Circuit Zandvoort.
With seven races left this season, AI has been asked to forecast the final Drivers' Championship, producing some intriguing results after Max Verstappen's win in Malaysia.
Predicted 2026 Formula 1 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
Key Driver Insights
Pierre Gasly has bounced back from a tough 2025, predicted to finish tenth with 62 points for Alpine. Known as a consistent midfield driver, Gasly's experience should keep him scoring regularly despite Alpine not being front-runners.
Liam Lawson, aiming to revive his F1 career, is expected to end ninth with 100 points, racing for Racing Bulls after a brief return to Red Bull during a teammate's injury.
Isack Hadjar returns from injury to secure eighth place with 156 points at Red Bull, showing solid finishes including a podium in Azerbaijan but missing three races due to a wrist injury.
Oscar Piastri had an inconsistent start but is projected seventh with 217 points at McLaren. Sharing the team with Norris splits points, but Piastri is expected to take some podiums and possibly a race win.
Charles Leclerc remains a strong contender but is forecasted sixth with 267 points at Ferrari. After mixed results early in the season, including his first win at Silverstone, he trails teammate Hamilton in this prediction.
Lando Norris will likely not defend his 2025 title, settling for fifth with 279 points. Despite two wins and consistent finishes, a DNF in Baku hampers his championship hopes.
Lewis Hamilton shows strength with 292 points, finishing fourth. While his experience brings regular podiums for Ferrari, sharing points with Leclerc may limit his position higher up the standings.
George Russell started strongly with wins and podiums but faces setbacks like DNFs and lower finishes. Predicted third with 312 points, he trails teammate Antonelli who leads comfortably.
Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, has struggled but remains competitive with eight podiums and a late-season win in Malaysia. Expected to finish second with 313 points, his chances are hindered if Red Bull's car lacks dominance.
Kimi Antonelli has stunned many in only his second season, dominating the field with multiple victories and building a substantial lead. AI forecasts him to clinch the 2026 Drivers' Championship with 428 points.
