The 2026 F1 Season: Who Will Rise as the Underdog Champion?
As the Formula 1 world eagerly awaits the start of pre-season testing, the buzz around the 2026 season is already reaching a fever pitch. With Lando Norris crowned the defending champion after a nail-biting two-point victory over Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri finishing a strong third, the stage is set for another thrilling year. McLaren, fresh off back-to-back constructors’ championships in 2025, aims to maintain its dominance. But here’s where it gets controversial: the new regulations could shake up the grid entirely, leaving teams scrambling to adapt and innovate. Will McLaren’s reign continue, or will a new powerhouse emerge?
And this is the part most people miss: while the usual suspects like McLaren and Verstappen are expected to lead the charge, F1 legends Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert have their eyes on a different contender—George Russell. Both former drivers believe Russell, who secured a race win in 2025 despite not having the strongest car, could be the ‘dark horse’ of the season. With rumors swirling about Mercedes’ potentially game-changing engine for 2026, Russell and his team might just be poised for a championship run. Could this be Russell’s year to shine?
Herbert, speaking on the Stay on Track podcast, praised Russell’s consistency and performance, stating, ‘George has done a brilliant job… I’m sure they’re going to be at the sharp end fighting for race wins and potentially the championship.’ Hill echoed this sentiment, adding, ‘I think there are question marks over Red Bull, and I would say the dark horse here is George Russell.’ But here’s the kicker: while Mercedes seems like a strong bet, both Hill and Herbert also predict Aston Martin could be the ‘surprise’ team of 2026. With Adrian Newey’s expertise and Honda’s backing, Aston Martin has the resources and time to finally live up to its potential. Is this the year Aston Martin steps into the spotlight?
The regulation changes are expected to level the playing field, potentially reshuffling the pecking order. Teams like Aston Martin, with their recent investments in infrastructure and talent, could make a significant leap forward. As Herbert noted, ‘They’ve made all the right decisions, now it’s implementing the whole package.’ But with so many variables at play, predicting the 2026 champion feels like a shot in the dark. Who do you think will rise to the top?
Controversial Question: Could George Russell truly challenge the likes of Verstappen and Norris, or is this just wishful thinking? And is Aston Martin’s potential overhyped, or are they the real deal for 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear from you! 👇
