AI Forecasts Full 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship Standings

AI Predicts Final 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship

As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches its final stretch, AI has offered a detailed forecast of how the drivers will finish this year. Mercedes have been the standout team through the first 16 races, adapting best to new regulations and dominating the calendar.

George Russell kicked off the season with a win in Australia, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli claimed victory in five consecutive races across China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco. Russell added another triumph in Austria, and Antonelli won three more in Belgium, Italy, and Madrid, building a commanding lead in the standings. Russell reduced the gap with a win in Azerbaijan.

Despite Mercedes’ dominance, other teams have made their mark. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton earned his first win since 2024 and his first for Ferrari in Barcelona. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, won at Silverstone. Last year's champion, Lando Norris, grabbed two wins, in Hungary and Zandvoort.

After Max Verstappen's victory in Malaysia at the Bahrain Grand Prix, AI predictions offer a fascinating glimpse at the championship's likely outcome.

Predicted 2026 Drivers’ Championship Standings

• 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

Driver Highlights and Analysis

Pierre Gasly has bounced back after a tough 2025, moving up to 10th place with Alpine. Known for consistency, Gasly is expected to regularly score points despite Alpine not challenging at the very front.

Liam Lawson aims to revive his career with Racing Bulls after a difficult time at Red Bull. The AI projects him finishing ninth with 100 points, showcasing a solid comeback.

Isack Hadjar, returning from injury, is predicted to take eighth place with 156 points for Red Bull. Despite missing some races, he delivered strong finishes including podiums after his return.

Oscar Piastri had high hopes last year but inconsistency cost him. AI expects him to finish seventh with 217 points for McLaren, sharing team points with Lando Norris.

Charles Leclerc shows promise but AI forecasts him finishing sixth with 267 points. His season has seen ups and downs, including a first win at Silverstone but several DNFs.

Lando Norris won the title in 2025 but is predicted to settle for fifth in 2026 with 279 points. After two wins and strong results, a DNF in Baku dampened his title defense hopes.

Lewis Hamilton has impressed for Ferrari, earning podiums and a win in Barcelona. AI expects him to finish fourth with 292 points, focusing on steady points rather than a fierce title challenge.

George Russell started strong with wins and podiums but recent setbacks including DNFs have hurt his title bid. AI predicts third place with 312 points.

Max Verstappen faced challenges early in the season but remains a podium regular. His Malaysia win was crucial, yet AI sees him finishing second with 313 points, falling short of another championship.

Kimi Antonelli has outperformed expectations in his second year, leading the championship with 428 points. Despite fewer wins recently, his early-season dominance keeps him on top.