Mercedes still set the pace, but Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren chase them down in 2026 data analysis
F1.com's data analysis of the 2026 season so far shows Mercedes remain the benchmark despite a 134-point lead over Ferrari, while Red Bull have made one of the biggest improvements and Aston Martin, Williams, Haas and Cadillac have had mixed fortunes in the midfield and at the back.
Matches
Mercedes still set the pace, but Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren chase them down in 2026 data analysis
F1.com's data analysis of the 2026 season so far shows Mercedes remain the benchmark despite a 134-point lead over Ferrari, while Red Bull have made one of the biggest improvements and Aston Martin, Williams, Haas and Cadillac have had mixed fortunes in the midfield and at the back.
Transfers & Teams
Mekies puts Red Bull’s people at the heart of its rebuild
Laurent Mekies has made strengthening Red Bull’s people and leadership structure central to his first year in charge, as he seeks to restore stability and put the team back at the top.
Ferrari's Alba Larsen confirmed for third F1 Academy season in 2027
Ferrari have announced that Alba Larsen will contest a third F1 Academy campaign in 2027, becoming the first driver to secure a seat in the all-female series for next season. The 17-year-old Dane has been granted the extra year under a new rule for drivers showing strong potential.
People & Analysis
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McLaren boss Zak Brown says Oscar Piastri is 'back to the driver I know'
McLaren CEO Zak Brown says Oscar Piastri is returning to form after a difficult start to the 2026 season, pointing to growing confidence in the MCL40 ahead of the final stages of the campaign.
From Verstappen to Schumacher: six times F1 drivers raced without a radio
A feature looking back at six occasions where Formula 1 drivers lost radio communication with their pit walls, from Max Verstappen's recent Singapore Grand Prix difficulties to the struggles of Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Michael Schumacher, Alex Albon, Charles Leclerc and the Mercedes pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
Rwanda’s F1 future would add a new chapter to Africa’s racing heritage
Formula 1’s reflection on Rwanda and Africa’s motorsport history argues that a continent of Africa’s scale deserves a place on the calendar, recalling the popularity of the South African Grand Prix and the Kyalami era.
Gasly on Alpine's rise and Palmowski's F1 Academy title bid in latest Chequered Flag podcast
The BBC's Chequered Flag podcast latest 2026 episode features Pierre Gasly on Alpine's rise and Palmowski's F1 Academy title bid, alongside a run of race reviews and features from the 2026 season.
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