As Formula 1 gears up for the highly anticipated 2026 season, a fresh wave of optimism and uncertainty looms over the grid. Sweeping technical regulations, new power unit suppliers, and a major influx of new teams have set the stage for one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory. With pre-season testing now concluded and teams finalizing their preparations ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, F1's top analysts and journalists have weighed in on what to expect — from championship contenders to potential dark horses.

Top Drivers: A New Era of Competition

The battle for the Drivers' Championship is expected to be fierce, with several strong candidates emerging across different teams.

Lawrence Barretto (F1 Correspondent & Presenter) predicts a breakout year for George Russell, who he believes will claim his maiden World Championship with a strong Mercedes package. Russell is expected to edge out four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium for Ferrari.

James Hinchcliffe highlights the complexity of adapting to the new rules, stating that drivers must “re-learn how to drive” to maximize performance. He places Russell, Lando Norris (boosted by the return of the Mercedes power unit), and Verstappen in his top three, citing energy management skills as a key differentiator.

Chris Medland opts for a more cautious view, selecting Verstappen, Russell, and defending champion Norris. Meanwhile, Alex Jacques ventures a bolder prediction, placing rising star Kimi Antonelli in third behind Russell and Charles Leclerc.

Team Standings: Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari in the Spotlight

The battle for the Constructors' Championship is expected to revolve around the same core contenders, though their order may shift dramatically over the season.

Barretto believes Mercedes will reclaim the Teams' crown, edging out Ferrari, with McLaren narrowly beating Red Bull for third. Hinchcliffe agrees, naming Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari as the top trio, citing strong pre-season testing performance and proven driver line-ups.

Medland echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the strength of dual frontrunner line-ups at Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, while expressing doubt about Red Bull’s second driver role. Jacques, however, believes McLaren may slip to third early on but could improve as the season progresses.

Biggest Surprises: Alpine’s Rise and Haas’ Podium Charge?

One of the most talked-about storylines is Alpine’s potential leap from the bottom of the standings in 2025 to the top of the midfield in 2026. Both Barretto and Hinchcliffe point to Alpine’s early focus on 2026 development and their switch to a Mercedes power unit as key factors. With over 1,000 laps completed across pre-season and strong long-run pace, Alpine could become a regular point-scorer — even challenging for podiums.

Conversely, Aston Martin faces a crisis after a disastrous test in Bahrain, completing just 128 laps due to Honda battery issues and spare parts shortages. They now enter the season with minimal data and development time, raising serious concerns about their competitiveness.

Another surprise could come from Haas, who impressed in testing with reliable running and strong long-run pace. Hinchcliffe boldly predicts Haas will secure their first-ever podium in 2026, thanks to a mature partnership with Ferrari Powertrains and the experience of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.

What to Watch For: Unpredictability, Development Races, and New Teams

The most exciting element of the 2026 season could be its unpredictability. Barretto and Jacques both emphasize the rapid development race, noting that teams introducing upgrades at different times could lead to frequent order changes throughout the year.

Hinchcliffe is eager to see how different car concepts perform across varied circuits. “Who excels in tight configurations? Who wins in the heat? It’s going to be fun learning which venues suit which cars,” he says.

New entrants Audi and Cadillac are also under the spotlight. While Cadillac's 266 laps in testing were modest, they represent a solid foundation for a new team. Medland is curious to see how Audi performs as a full constructor, while Jacques hopes to see Audi on the podium in their debut season.

Bold Predictions: Williams Break Drought, Seven Different Winners

Barretto sticks to a bold preseason forecast: Williams — who scored two surprise podiums in 2025 — will finally break their winless streak since 2012.

Medland offers an even more exciting proposition: at least seven different race winners in 2026. With only four winners in 2025, this would mark a significant shift toward parity — and could include breakout performances from younger drivers like Hadjar or Antonelli.

Despite reliability issues early on, Red Bull rookie Isack Hadjar remains positive. Though he completed only 125 laps in testing — among the lowest — internal feedback suggests he’s been impressive in feedback and adaptation.

As the lights go out in Melbourne, one thing is certain: the 2026 Formula 1 season promises drama, innovation, and a fresh competitive landscape unlike anything seen in years.