A completely new chapter of Formula 1 is fast approaching, and even before a single 2026 car has turned a wheel, debate among fans is already intense. With sweeping technical regulations set to reshape the competitive order, supporters across the world are trying to forecast who will emerge as the next Formula 1 world champion when the new era truly begins.
The dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season has only fuelled that speculation. The championship battle went all the way to the final round in Abu Dhabi, with three drivers still mathematically in contention. Lando Norris ultimately secured the title, holding off a late surge from Max Verstappen, who won six of the final nine races and came agonisingly close to completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern Formula 1 history.
With the standings now wiped clean, all 22 drivers on the 2026 grid are starting from zero, each chasing the ultimate prize in motorsport. Several manufacturers, including Audi, have already outlined long-term ambitions of fighting for championships under the new rules, while other teams may be viewing 2026 as the foundation for success further down the line. Even so, anticipation is already building around who will stand on top when the chequered flag falls at Yas Marina on December 6.
Fans debate early favourites for the 2026 Formula 1 championship
Despite the fact that none of the 2026 Formula 1 cars have yet been seen on track, fan opinion is already taking shape. The official Formula 1 account on X invited supporters to share their predictions on who they believe will write their name into the sport’s history books by winning the 2026 world championship.
Among the most popular responses was the idea of Fernando Alonso claiming a long-awaited third title, a sign that many fans continue to believe in the two-time world champion’s longevity and his team’s new leadership structure. Other comments suggested that Lewis Hamilton could mount a major comeback in Ferrari colours, while several fans backed Lando Norris to defend his crown and signal the end of Max Verstappen’s era of dominance.
Oscar Piastri’s name also appeared repeatedly, with many supporters viewing the McLaren driver as a future champion in waiting. Max Verstappen, George Russell and Lando Norris were mentioned most frequently overall, but there was still strong representation for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, highlighting that Ferrari’s driver line-up remains highly rated among the global fanbase.
Some fans expressed doubts about Ferrari’s competitiveness under the new regulations, while others felt that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton could become genuine title contenders if the Scuderia finally delivers a car capable of fighting consistently at the front. The diversity of opinions underlines just how open the 2026 season currently appears.
Why Mercedes drivers are attracting early attention for 2026
While fans will not get definitive answers until the lights go out at the Australian Grand Prix, early rumours and paddock whispers are already shaping perceptions ahead of the new ruleset. Historically, Mercedes have excelled when Formula 1 has introduced major regulation changes, particularly when new power unit concepts are involved.
There is growing belief within the paddock that Mercedes could once again produce one of the strongest engines on the grid for 2026, potentially giving both the factory team and its customer outfits a performance edge. That advantage could be amplified by a potential technical interpretation that Mercedes and Red Bull are believed to have identified, which, if approved by the FIA, may immediately shift the competitive balance.
Ferrari are understood to be monitoring the situation closely and are already preparing to challenge any loophole they believe undermines the spirit of the regulations. However, if such a protest fails, Mercedes could quickly establish itself as the benchmark team of the new era.
In that scenario, attention would naturally turn to a possible internal battle between George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. George Russell impressed throughout the 2025 season despite Mercedes lacking a consistently race-winning car, and many observers believe he could be perfectly placed to challenge for his first Formula 1 world championship in 2026.
For Ferrari, the pressure will be immense. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc under contract and entering what could be a decisive phase of their careers, expectations are high that the Scuderia must finally capitalise on a regulation reset. As fans continue to debate and predict, one thing is clear: the road to the 2026 Formula 1 championship is already generating intrigue, long before the first lap has even been completed.
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