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AI Forecasts 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings

Sixteen races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes have largely set the pace. The German squad has adapted best to the new rules, clinching victories in the first six races. George Russell took the season opener in Australia, followed by Kimi Antonelli’s five consecutive wins in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.

Russell secured another win in Austria, while Antonelli added triumphs in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, solidifying a strong lead atop the drivers’ leaderboard. Yet, Russell narrowed the gap with his win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Despite Mercedes' dominance, other teams have grabbed race wins. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton notched his first victory since 2024—and his first for Ferrari—at Barcelona. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, earned a win at Silverstone. Last year’s champion, Lando Norris, claimed two victories: one in Hungary and another at Circuit Zandvoort.

With seven races left, AI has projected the final Drivers’ Championship standings after Max Verstappen’s Malaysia win at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The results reveal some surprises.

AI Predicted 2026 Drivers' Championship Standings (Positions 23 to 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

After a tough 2025, Pierre Gasly bounced back in 2026. AI expects him to finish 10th with Alpine, marking a solid recovery from last year's 18th place and 22 points. His best result last year was sixth at Silverstone. AI notes Gasly’s consistent midfield performances and believes his experience will keep him regularly scoring points despite Alpine not challenging for wins.

  • 9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Red Bull): 100 points

AI forecasts Lawson climbing to ninth this season. After a difficult spell at Red Bull, returning to Racing Bulls has revived his career. Following Isack Hadjar’s injury, Lawson is eager to prove himself and secure his spot for 2027.

  • 8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull): 156 points

Returning from injury, Hadjar is predicted to finish eighth. He showed steady form after a slow start, earning top-six finishes including a podium in Azerbaijan. Missing three races due to a wrist injury impacted his tally, but he bounced back strongly.

  • 7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren): 217 points

Once a favorite for the title last season, Piastri faltered late on to finish third. His 2026 start was inconsistent, with DNFs in the first two races but podiums in Japan and Miami. AI expects him to gather 217 points, with some podiums and possibly a race win, though trailing behind the top contenders.

  • 6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 267 points

Leclerc remains a strong contender but AI predicts he will wait at least another year for the championship. This year, Hamilton seems to have the upper hand within Ferrari. Leclerc began the season solidly with podiums and top-five finishes but faced setbacks including DNFs in Monaco and Barcelona. He rebounded with a win at Silverstone and podiums later in the season.

  • 5. Lando Norris (McLaren): 279 points

Norris won the 2025 title but AI sees him finishing fifth this year. Despite wins in Hungary and the Netherlands and steady top finishes, a DNF in Baku hurt his chances. AI praises Norris's consistency and expects him to grab a few wins but not defend his crown successfully.

  • 4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): 292 points

Hamilton has been vital in Ferrari’s improved form. He earned his first Ferrari win in Barcelona and several podiums. AI believes his experience secures consistent results, but sharing points with Leclerc may limit his final position. At this stage in his career, he may focus on steady finishes over aggressive title chasing.

  • 3. George Russell (Mercedes): 312 points

Russell started strong with a win and multiple podiums but was overshadowed by teammate Antonelli. DNFs in Belgium and Malaysia weakened his bid. Though once predicted by a supercomputer to win the title with 394 points, AI now slots him third.

  • 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull): 313 points

Four-time world champ Verstappen struggled early but secured eight podiums, including his first 2026 win in Malaysia. AI expects him to continue scoring well but not enough to claim the championship. Verstappen remains a top driver but without a dominant car, his title challenge dims.

  • 1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): 428 points

Antonelli has stunned everyone in just his second F1 season. From a rocky debut year, he has dominated 2026, besting veteran teammates and winning six races. His lead after 16 events is substantial, making him the clear favorite for the Drivers’ Championship.

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