AI Forecasts the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings

After 16 races into the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, Mercedes has established a commanding presence. They adapted best to the updated regulations, securing wins in the first six events. George Russell took victory at the season opener in Australia, while teammate Kimi Antonelli dominated the next five races across China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.

Russell then clinched another win in Austria, whereas Antonelli added victories in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, extending his lead atop the drivers' standings. The gap shrank slightly when Russell won at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Although Mercedes has been dominant, race wins have also come from others. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton notched his first win since 2024, his initial victory with Ferrari, in Barcelona. His teammate Charles Leclerc earned a triumph at Silverstone. Meanwhile, reigning champion Lando Norris secured two wins with McLaren, winning in Hungary and Zandvoort.

Remaining Races and AI Predictions

With seven races left this season, AI models were asked to forecast the final Drivers' Championship positions following Max Verstappen’s recent victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The forecast reveals some surprising placements.

AI Predicted 2026 Drivers' Championship Top 23

• 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

Midfield and Rising Stars

Pierre Gasly has bounced back this year after a forgettable 2025, placing tenth with Alpine thanks to consistent scoring despite Alpine not fighting at the front. Liam Lawson, returning to Racing Bulls after a tough stint at Red Bull, is predicted ninth with 100 points, aiming to secure his place for 2027. Isack Hadjar faces challenges due to injury but still looks set to finish eighth with 156 points.

Oscar Piastri experienced inconsistency early this season but collected podiums mid-season; AI predicts he will finish seventh with 217 points. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has had ups and downs including crashes but remains consistent, projected sixth with 267 points.

Top Contenders

Lando Norris may not repeat as champion, settling for fifth according to AI. Despite solid performances, a DNF in Baku hurt his title hopes. Lewis Hamilton has helped Ferrari show improvement with podium finishes and a win in Barcelona but seems unlikely to challenge the title leader directly.

George Russell started strongly but has faced setbacks including DNFs and low finishes, now predicted third behind teammate Antonelli. Max Verstappen, despite being a four-time world champion, has struggled for dominance this season, though he has eight podiums and a recent win in Malaysia. AI sees him finishing second.

Kimi Antonelli Dominates the 2026 Season

The rookie Kimi Antonelli has far exceeded expectations, leading the championship by a wide margin with 428 points. He made history as the second-youngest Grand Prix winner and has collected multiple wins despite some recent struggles. AI still forecasts him to claim the 2026 Drivers' Championship.