Formula 1 2026 season is heating up with exciting battles after the first few races, including the Australian, Chinese, and Japanese Grands Prix. Young Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli currently leads the Drivers’ Championship with 72 points driving for Mercedes, closely followed by teammate George Russell (63 points).
For millions of Indian F1 fans and NRIs who follow the sport passionately through late-night viewing sessions, this season brings fresh storylines — especially with Lewis Hamilton now racing for Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc.
Here are the latest F1 2026 standings (updated after the Japanese Grand Prix, as of early April 2026):
F1 2026 Drivers’ Championship Standings
| Position | Driver | Nationality | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | ITA | Mercedes | 72 |
| 2 | George Russell | GBR | Mercedes | 63 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | MON | Ferrari | 49 |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | Ferrari | 41 |
| 5 | Lando Norris | GBR | McLaren | 25 |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | AUS | McLaren | 21 |
| 7 | Oliver Bearman | GBR | Haas | 17 |
| 8 | Pierre Gasly | FRA | Alpine | 15 |
| 9 | Max Verstappen | NED | Red Bull | 12 |
| 10 | Liam Lawson | NZL | Racing Bulls | 10 |
| 11 | Arvid Lindblad | GBR | – | 4 |
| 12 | Isack Hadjar | FRA | – | 4 |
| 13 | Gabriel Bortoleto | BRA | – | 2 |
| 14 | Carlos Sainz | ESP | – | 2 |
| 15 | Esteban Ocon | FRA | – | 1 |
Key Highlights for Drivers:
- Mercedes dominance early on: Antonelli (rookie sensation) and Russell have secured multiple wins and podiums, giving the team a strong start.
- Ferrari’s strong showing: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are delivering consistent points, keeping Ferrari in the title hunt.
- Defending champion struggles: Max Verstappen (2025 champion context) sits lower in 9th place with only 12 points so far, as Red Bull faces challenges.
- Rising talents: Young drivers like Oliver Bearman (Haas) and others are making their mark.
F1 2026 Constructors’ Championship Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 135 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 90 |
| 3 | McLaren | 46 |
| 4 | Haas F1 Team | 18 |
| 5 | Alpine | 16 |
| 6 | Red Bull Racing | 16 |
| 7 | Racing Bulls | 14 |
| 8 | Others (Audi, Williams, etc.) | Lower points |
Mercedes leads comfortably with 135 points, thanks to their 1-2 finishes in early races. Ferrari sits strong in second, while McLaren and others trail behind.
Season Context So Far (Early 2026)
The 2026 F1 season started in March with the Australian Grand Prix (won by George Russell), followed by the Chinese Grand Prix (won by Kimi Antonelli), and the Japanese Grand Prix. Some races like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were reportedly affected or cancelled due to regional issues, leading to a slightly adjusted calendar.
The next race is the Miami Grand Prix (May 1-3, 2026), which includes a Sprint weekend — a favorite among fans for its high-intensity format.
NRI Perspective: Why Indian Fans Love F1 in 2026
- Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari: Indian fans have followed Hamilton for years; his move to the iconic red team adds excitement for NRIs in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, London, Toronto, and Sydney.
- Global Indian Connection: With growing F1 popularity in India (thanks to past drivers like Narain Karthikeyan and increased streaming access), many NRIs organize watch parties and fantasy leagues.
- Young Talent Appeal: The rise of rookies like Antonelli resonates with younger Indian professionals who admire high-speed innovation and engineering excellence — fields where many Indians excel globally.
- Technical Regulations: 2026 brings new power unit rules and chassis changes, making the season even more strategic and unpredictable.
For NRIs balancing work and late-night races, apps like F1 TV and official streams make following easier than ever.
What’s Next?
With the Miami Grand Prix approaching, Mercedes looks strong, but Ferrari and McLaren could challenge as the season progresses. Will Hamilton deliver a win for Ferrari? Can Verstappen bounce back?
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2026 championship unfolds.
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