The opening three rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season have delivered high drama, unexpected performances, and a dramatic shift in the competitive order. With a brief pause before the Miami Grand Prix, F1 analysts and writers have taken stock of the season so far — assessing standout drivers, surprising teams, and those urgently needing to turn things around.

Standout Drivers: Antonelli Shines, Gasly Resurges

Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the breakout star of the season. The 19-year-old, driving for Mercedes, has not only adapted seamlessly to the new regulations but has also claimed two victories and currently leads the Drivers’ Championship. His composed performance in Japan, where he fought back from sixth to win, has drawn widespread acclaim.

"Kimi is smoother, calmer, and very determined," said Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne. "His success at 19 is a huge boost for F1." Fellow Mercedes driver George Russell, despite being labeled a preseason favorite, has struggled with bad luck over the past two races, allowing Antonelli to surge ahead.

Ollie Bearman has also impressed, delivering a consistent string of strong finishes for Haas, including a remarkable fifth place in China. Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad and Isack Hadjar have shown promise, with Lindblad particularly standing out in his early outings. Pierre Gasly, too, has been a revelation for Alpine, combining his trademark qualifying speed with solid race execution. "Gasly has maximised everything at his disposal," noted Chris Medland.

Team Performances: Mercedes Dominate, Haas and Cadillac Surprise

Mercedes has firmly established itself as the team to beat, securing a clean sweep of victories with a chassis and power unit perfectly suited to the new regulations. "They’ve rediscovered the mojo," said Tremayne, crediting Toto Wolff’s leadership for the resurgence.

Beyond the dominant Silver Arrows, several teams have exceeded expectations. Haas, despite operating with the smallest team and a late car development cycle, has consistently scored points. Racing Bulls, benefitting from Red Bull’s Ford-powered unit, have proven competitive, while Audi’s debut as a works power unit supplier has been impressively strong, placing them firmly in the upper midfield.

Newcomers Cadillac, the 11th team on the grid, have earned respect with five finishes in three races. "This is their first rodeo, and to get five finishes is a great start," commented Tremayne. Alpine, meanwhile, has rebounded strongly after a shaky start in Australia, with their car showing significant improvements in high-speed stability.

Biggest Struggles: Aston Martin and Red Bull in Crisis

At the other end of the spectrum, Aston Martin Honda’s season has been a disaster. Despite having legendary designer Adrian Newey and a powerhouse engine supplier returning after a 2022 hiatus, the team sits at the back of the grid. Persistent vibration issues and lack of reliability have plagued their AMR26, leaving both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll frustrated.

"Honda lost crucial development time," observed Tremayne. "If you stand still in F1, you go backwards." The five-week gap before Miami offers a vital window to address fundamental flaws before the car’s true potential can be judged.

Red Bull, once dominant, is also floundering. The RB22 is poorly balanced, and Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has failed to reach the podium in the first three races — his worst start since 2018. Verstappen sits sixth in the championship, and Red Bull languishes behind Alpine and Haas in the constructors’ standings.

"It’s hard to assess the Ford-badged power unit fairly with the car behaving the way it currently does," noted Tremayne. The only silver lining is rookie Isack Hadjar, who has matched Verstappen’s pace, signaling Red Bull’s youth talent remains strong.

Surprises and Scrutiny Ahead

The most unexpected aspect of the season has been the quality of racing. Despite pre-season skepticism, the new aerodynamic rules, 50-50 power split, and Overtake Button have enabled closer racing and more overtaking. "The closeness of the racing has surprised – and delighted," said Tremayne.

As the season resumes, the focus will intensify on key figures: George Russell must reassert himself against the rising Antonelli, while Max Verstappen will demand answers from Red Bull. Aston Martin faces an existential challenge, with pressure mounting to salvage Alonso’s final seasons.

"This can't be how it ends for Fernando Alonso," said Alex Jacques. "They need fundamental fixes — and fast."