AI Predicts the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings
With sixteen races behind us in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes has clearly set the pace. They adapted to the new rules better than anyone, sweeping the first six Grands Prix. George Russell claimed victory in Australia, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli dominated the next five races across China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.
Russell added a second win in Austria, but Antonelli kept his momentum with three more wins in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, building a strong lead in the drivers' standings. Russell chipped away at this lead after winning in Azerbaijan.
Ferrari made their mark with Lewis Hamilton securing his first win since 2024 and his first with the team in Barcelona. Charles Leclerc also grabbed a win at Silverstone. Meanwhile, last year's champion Lando Norris from McLaren took two victories in Hungary and Zandvoort.
As seven races remain, following Max Verstappen’s triumph in Malaysia at the Bahrain Grand Prix, AI projections for the final Drivers' Championship reveal an intriguing outlook.
Full AI Prediction of the 2026 Drivers' Championship
- 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 forgettable 2025, Pierre Gasly bounced back in 2026, finishing 10th with Alpine. He was 18th last season with only 22 points, but this year his consistency shines through. AI praises him as one of the most reliable midfield racers, consistently scoring points despite Alpine not challenging the frontrunners.
- 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
Liam Lawson, after a rough time at Red Bull, is making strides with Racing Bulls. AI expects him to finish ninth, racking up 100 points and aiming to secure his seat for 2027.
Isack Hadjar returned from injury to put in solid performances for Red Bull, collecting 156 points. Despite missing three races due to a wrist injury, he clinched a podium in Azerbaijan.
Oscar Piastri showed promise last season but faltered towards the end. This year, AI forecasts 217 points for the McLaren driver, with some podiums and possibly a race win.
Charles Leclerc remains a consistent contender for Ferrari, predicted to gather 267 points. His season has been mixed, with several podium finishes and a win at Silverstone, but also some disappointing DNFs.
Lando Norris won the championship last year but AI predicts a drop to fifth this season with 279 points. Despite a couple of victories, his title defense faces challenges including a DNF in Baku.
Lewis Hamilton has brought strength to Ferrari, earning his first win with them in Barcelona and consistent podiums. AI sees him finishing fourth with 292 points, emphasizing steady results over aggressive title pursuit.
George Russell started strong but has been overshadowed by his teammate Antonelli. AI projects third place with 312 points, noting his impressive wins and podiums but also some setbacks like DNFs.
Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, struggled early but came back with eight podiums and a win in Malaysia. Still, AI predicts a second-place finish with 313 points, suggesting the car isn’t dominant enough for another title.
Kimi Antonelli has outperformed expectations in his second season, dominating with 428 points. The 20-year-old has multiple wins and holds a significant lead, poised to claim the championship despite fewer wins recently.
