AI Forecasts the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings

After 16 races into the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, Mercedes has clearly been the dominant force. The German outfit adapted best to the new rules, clinching victories in the first six races. George Russell won the season opener in Australia, followed by teammate Kimi Antonelli’s string of five straight wins across China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco.

Russell later took his second victory in Austria, while Antonelli added three more wins in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, establishing a commanding lead in the drivers' standings. Despite this, Russell narrowed the gap with a win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Though Mercedes has been strong, other teams have grabbed some top finishes. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton notched his first win since 2024 in Barcelona, marking his maiden triumph with his new team. His teammate Charles Leclerc also claimed victory at Silverstone. Meanwhile, last year’s champion Lando Norris secured two wins for McLaren, triumphing in Hungary and then at Circuit Zandvoort.

With seven races still left in the season and Max Verstappen’s recent success in Malaysia at the Bahrain Grand Prix, AI has delivered its full forecast for the final Drivers’ Championship standings. The results offer some surprises.

AI’s Predicted Final 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

Gasly bounced back from a disappointing 2025 season, where he finished 18th with just 22 points. AI credits him as a dependable midfield driver whose consistency will help Alpine regularly score points despite not fighting at the front.

• 9. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls/Red Bull - 100 points

After a difficult spell at Red Bull, Lawson looks to revive his career with Racing Bulls, aiming to secure his seat for 2027.

• 8. Isack Hadjar - Red Bull - 156 points

Hadjar returned from injury to produce solid finishes including podiums and consistent top-six results. Missing three races due to a wrist injury affected his tally, but he bounced back well with a podium in Azerbaijan.

• 7. Oscar Piastri - McLaren - 217 points

Piastri showed promise last year but faltered late in the season. This year started inconsistently with DNFs but included some podiums. AI expects him to gather decent points but fall short of the title.

• 6. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari - 267 points

Leclerc has yet to claim a world title, with AI predicting he will finish behind Hamilton this season. His early results mixed podiums with crashes and DNFs, though he rebounded with a win at Silverstone.

• 5. Lando Norris - McLaren - 279 points

Norris will struggle to defend his 2025 championship, settling for fifth according to AI. Despite a couple of wins and solid finishes, a DNF in Baku hurt his chances.

• 4. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari - 292 points

Hamilton's experience helps Ferrari deliver consistent podiums, but sharing points with Leclerc limits his rise. AI suggests he may prioritize steady results over aggressive title bids.

• 3. George Russell - Mercedes - 312 points

Russell began strongly but was overshadowed by teammate Antonelli. Despite bouncing back with wins and podiums, DNFs and poor finishes have damaged his championship hopes.

• 2. Max Verstappen - Red Bull - 313 points

Four-time champion Verstappen has struggled this season but has eight podiums, including a win in Malaysia. AI believes he won't have enough dominance to reclaim the title.

• 1. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes - 428 points

Antonelli transformed from a rocky rookie year into the standout performer of 2026. He holds a big lead after multiple wins and is predicted by AI to take the Drivers' Championship comfortably.