F1 Latest Standings 2026: Drivers’ & Constructors’ Championship Update – January 2026

By Clickusanews.com, US News Journalist | January 28, 2026

As a US-based sports journalist specializing in Formula 1 coverage—with years of tracking grand prix results, driver transfers, and championship battles across multiple seasons—I’ve witnessed how early-season momentum often shapes the entire year. The 2026 F1 season is poised for major change with sweeping regulation overhauls (new power units, active aerodynamics, and revised safety standards), but as of late January 2026, the grid is fully confirmed, driver numbers are assigned, and pre-season testing looms in Bahrain (February 11–13 and 18–20). No races have been run yet, so official points standings remain at zero.

However, the F1 latest standings 2026 conversation revolves around confirmed line-ups, reigning champions, and early predictions for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles. Lando Norris enters as the reigning World Drivers’ Champion (won in 2025 at the Abu Dhabi finale), while McLaren-Mercedes defends the Constructors’ crown. With Lewis Hamilton now at Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen at Red Bull with new teammate Isack Hadjar, and rookie Arvid Lindblad joining Racing Bulls, the 2026 battle promises drama.

This article provides the full 2026 grid, key storylines, and early expert insights. For live race updates once the season starts (first Grand Prix: Australia, March 6–8), follow our F1 Tracker.

2026 F1 Drivers’ Line-Up: Full Grid Confirmed

The 2026 grid features 11 teams and 22 drivers, with several high-profile moves:

1. McLaren (Reigning Constructors’ Champions)
   • Lando Norris (#1 – defending champion)
   • Oscar Piastri Norris aims for back-to-back titles; Piastri finished third in 2025.
2. Ferrari
   • Charles Leclerc
   • Lewis Hamilton Hamilton’s move from Mercedes is the biggest storyline—can he add an eighth title?
3. Red Bull Racing
   • Max Verstappen (#3 – switched from #33)
   • Isack Hadjar (promoted from Racing Bulls) Verstappen lost the 2025 title to Norris but won most races (8).
4. Mercedes
   • George Russell
   • Kimi Antonelli Antonelli’s sophomore season after a strong rookie year (podiums in Canada, Brazil, Las Vegas).
5. Aston Martin
   • Fernando Alonso (#14)
   • Lance Stroll Alonso (age 45) finished 10th in 2025; Adrian Newey joins as team principal.
6. Williams
   • Alex Albon
   • Carlos Sainz Strong 2025 recovery (top-five finish).
7. Racing Bulls
   • Liam Lawson
   • Arvid Lindblad (#41 – rookie) Lindblad promoted after strong F2 results.
8. Alpine
   • Pierre Gasly
   • Franco Colapinto Colapinto turned around a shaky start in 2025.
9. Haas
   • Esteban Ocon
   • Oliver Bearman Bearman impressed as rookie in 2025.
10. Audi (formerly Kick Sauber)
    • Nico Hulkenberg
    • Gabriel Bortoleto Hulkenberg seeks first win; Bortoleto in sophomore year.
11. Cadillac (new entrant)
    • Sergio Perez
    • Valtteri Bottas Perez and Bottas bring 16 grand prix wins combined.

The season features 24 Grands Prix, starting with pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Early 2026 Drivers’ Championship Outlook

No points awarded yet (season starts March 2026), but experts rank favorites based on 2025 form, team strength, and regulation changes:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – Reigning champion; strong chance to repeat.
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Most wins in 2025; hungry to reclaim title.
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Consistent podium threat.
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – With Hamilton, Ferrari could challenge McLaren.
5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – Experience vs. new team dynamics.
6. George Russell (Mercedes) – Potential breakthrough year.
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – Sophomore improvement expected.
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – Top-10 contender if Williams maintains progress.
9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – Points scorer in 2025.
10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – Veteran consistency.

Rookies Lindblad and Bortoleto could surprise in midfield.

2026 Constructors’ Championship Predictions

McLaren enters as champions, but regulation shifts (active aero, new power units) could shuffle order:

1. McLaren-Mercedes – Strong baseline; defending champs.
2. Ferrari – Hamilton boost could propel them forward.
3. Red Bull – Verstappen reliability key.
4. Mercedes – Russell-Antonelli duo maturing.
5. Aston Martin – Newey influence could lift them.
6. Williams – Continued upward trajectory.
7. Haas – Bearman-Ocon potential.
8. Racing Bulls – Lindblad rookie impact.
9. Alpine – Gasly-Colapinto consistency.
10. Audi – Hulkenberg leadership.
11. Cadillac – Perez-Bottas experience but new team challenges.

Key Storylines for 2026 Season

• Regulation Revolution: New power units (simplified hybrid), active aerodynamics (moveable wings), and safety upgrades (stronger roll hoops, lateral lights) could reset the pecking order.
• Hamilton at Ferrari: Iconic move—can he win #8?
• Norris Defense: First McLaren champion since Hakkinen; back-to-back rare.
• Rookie Battles: Lindblad, Bortoleto step up.
• New Teams/Changes: Cadillac debut, Audi rebrand from Sauber.

Conclusion: Pre-Season Hype Builds Toward Australia GP

The 2026 F1 season promises high drama with major technical changes and driver movements. No official standings exist yet, but the grid is set, and testing in Bahrain will provide first clues. Follow clickusanews.com for live testing coverage, race previews, and real-time F1 latest standings 2026 once racing begins.

Sources:

• Formula1.com (official drivers’ line-ups, 2026 calendar, testing schedule)
• Wikipedia (2026 Formula One World Championship – reigning champions, regulations)
• BBC Sport (driver line-ups, 2025 recap, 2026 outlook)
• The Race (driver pairing rankings)

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