The halfway point of the 2026 Formula 1® season offers a clear snapshot of driver performances, independent of their cars, as assessed by a panel of experts. These mid-season Power Rankings provide insight into how the drivers have fared after 11 rounds, highlighting individual speed, consistency, and racecraft amid varying team circumstances.
Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship, driving for Mercedes, with six pole positions and six wins. His pace and consistency stand out, although he has faced some challenges with track limits. Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing, sits sixth in the standings, over 100 points behind Antonelli, but has shown strong form with three podiums in the last four races despite Red Bull’s ongoing car development issues. Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, has bounced back from a difficult 2025, securing five podiums and a win in Barcelona, placing him second in the title race.
Other notable performances include Pierre Gasly at Alpine, who has scored points in eight of the 11 rounds, including a podium in Monaco, contributing solidly despite Alpine’s midfield struggles. Liam Lawson, racing for Racing Bulls in his first full season with the team, holds ninth place with 43 points and has delivered consistent midfield results, including several sixth-place finishes. George Russell, also at Mercedes, has had a mixed first half with some reliability and performance setbacks, trailing Antonelli by 59 points.
Rookie Arvid Lindblad, 18 years old and also with Racing Bulls, has impressed by scoring points in six consecutive races, marking him as a promising talent in the sport. Lando Norris, the 2025 world champion now at McLaren, has struggled to defend his title but recently claimed victory at the Hungaroring, with hopes that upcoming car updates will enhance competitiveness. Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, has encountered difficulties including brake issues and crashes but secured a win in Britain and a second place in Belgium.
Isack Hadjar, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing, has been a consistent points scorer and is closing the gap in qualifying pace, potentially overcoming the team’s historical challenges with the ‘second seat’. Franco Colapinto at Alpine has improved his consistency, finishing in the points six times and helping Alpine maintain sixth place in the Teams’ Championship.
It is important to note that these Power Rankings are subjective assessments by a five-judge panel, focusing on driver performance independent of their machinery. They do not represent official race results or championship decisions but offer a mid-season review of individual contributions within the current competitive landscape.
This evaluation reflects the diverse challenges and achievements across the grid, highlighting how driver skill continues to play a crucial role amid technical developments and team dynamics. The short break before the Austrian Grand Prix has provided a moment to reflect on these performances as the season progresses.
