The 2026 Formula 1 season has delivered one of the most dramatic midfield transformations in recent memory. The most notable success story is Alpine, which has climbed five positions to hold the 'best of the rest' slot in fifth place.

Alpine's Strategic Pivot

After ending 2025 at the bottom of the pack with only 22 points, Alpine opted to sacrifice the latter half of last year to focus exclusively on the 2026 regulations. The gamble paid off; the team has already surpassed its entire 2025 points total in just four races. Pierre Gasly has been instrumental, securing 16 of the team's points, while Franco Colapinto matched his career-best finish with a P7 in Miami.

Haas and Williams: Up and Down

Haas has also made gains, moving from eighth in 2025 to sixth in the current standings, bolstered by strong drives from Ollie Bearman. However, the team suffered its first point-less weekend of the season in Miami.

In contrast, Williams has struggled. After a strong 2025 finish in fifth, the Grove-based team has dropped to eighth. A "messy" winter, involving a missed Barcelona shakedown and an overweight car, hampered their start. Despite these woes, Miami showed a glimmer of hope as they got both cars into the points for the first time this season.

Crisis at Aston Martin

At the other end of the spectrum, Aston Martin finds itself in a dire situation, sitting 11th and last in the standings. The team has yet to score a single point, plagued by reliability issues and vibrations from their Honda power unit. While both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished the Miami race, the team remains far off the pace required to challenge the midfield.

Rounding out the standings are Audi in P9 (maintaining their position from the previous Sauber operation) and the debuting Cadillac, who have entered the sport with modest expectations for their first campaign.