2026: Expectations for Each Team

Ferrari

During the Barcelona testing, I had seen a lot of discussion about the speed of the Ferrari and the endurance during long runs. There is no doubt in my mind that Ferrari is the most anticipated group this year, especially with the change in the regulations this year.

One of the main reason as to why I’m excited to see the Ferrari at play this year is because of Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has mentioned that he was ‘massively excited’ about the improvement if the Ferrari from December to now, setting the fastest lap time during the Barcelona testing. Charles Leclerc seems to agree with this sentiment, sharing his opinions on the new regulations: “We kind of have to relearn most of the programmes, we’ve got to understand the system a lot better in order to make the most out of it, so there are many, many implication also on the driver’s side.” This adds to my overall excitement as it increases my expectations of a great Ferrari and hopefully, a great year for both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Mclaren

It was an overall very strong testing for Mclaren but there seems to be something missing. The Mercedes has proved that they might be the benchmark team for this season. As Andrea Stella said ‘I think McLaren and Red Bull are probably very similar. Ferrari and Mercedes are a step ahead’ which is evident after the Barcelona and Bahrain testings. However, this does not mean they won’t have a chance at being championship contenders this year as they could be hiding some secret potential.

Mercedes

The buzz around Mercedes this year seems greater than ever, as they performed well in the Barcelona testing. One thing I’m anticipating to see is the performance of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was a rookie last year and finished 7th on the leader board. Antonelli has showed the fans that he is capable of holding his own against his more experienced teammate, George Russell. They will both have something to prove this year as they are both on 1-Year contracts, having to work extra hard to gain a new contract with Mercedes, especially when ToTo Wolff is rumoured to have his eyes on a certain dutchman. However, recently, there has been an apparent lawsuit against Mercedes and their engine. Although I do not know much, I will definitely look into it and write a blog about it!

Red Bull

The Red Bull engine seems to be one of the most reliable ones on the grid as of the second Bahrain testing. Isack Hadjar seems happy with how the car has been responding and working so far. However, Max Verstappen has shared his discomfort with the new regulations, describing the car to be like ‘Formula E on steroids.’ He criticised the energy management of the car and has complained that the car is not fun to drive.

Williams

While Williams were unable to participate in the Barcelona testing, they have been able to catch up with a decent car for now. However, compared to Haas, Alpine and the Racing Bulls, they seem to be doing worse with the new regulations, unable to keep up with the other midfield cars. Additionally, there are many concerns over the weight of the car, being severely over the weight limit. The only way we, as the audience, will really know what is happening with the car is when the season actually begins.

Haas

Haas seems to be one of the midfield teams that are getting to drips with the new regulations quite well. The Ferrari power unit appears fast already, so it would not be a surprise if Haas does well in Australia.

I don’t have much to say about Haas but hopefully they use their fairly successful 2025 season as a way to climb up the midfield ranks.

Alpine

Alpine seem to eb facing the same climb. After the disastrous season they had last year, it would be nice to see Alpine running in the top of the midfield grid. Alpine also set the fastest time in Bahrain on C5 soft tyres which is an amazing feat, especially when compared to last year. With this being Franco Colapinto’s second year fully being in Formula 1, hopefully he is able to show his potential with a much better car!

Racing Bulls

Compared to last year’s amazing season for the racing bulls, I personally think they will be able to keep that momentum going forward, especially with the new rookie, Arvid Lindblad. During the second Bahrain testing, they were able to show the efficiencies of the power unit as well as setting some fast pace laps. Although there are some doubt that they won’t be able to keep up with Haas or Alpine, I think, with the right upgrades, the racing bulls could becoming a top midfield car this year.

Audi and Cadillac

I feel like it is right to put them on the same standing because we don’t know much about how they will perform. As they are new and coming into a season where the regulations are also new, it might give them an advantage OR disadvantage so all we can do for now is wait and see

The end⁠♡

I hope you enjoyed this and if you have an opinion, please comment down below.

Happy 2026 season!