by Vadim Stepanov, Formula143.org
Every new Formula 1 season holds many surprises. And the 2026 championship, due to the introduction of new regulations, is particularly unpredictable. Nevertheless, I’ll venture a few predictions.
1. Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of the season
Newey, Horner, Marko, and possibly Lambiase. Red Bull’s list of losses is too long. The team that made Verstappen champion is gone. Red Bull clearly won’t be the favorites next season. Verstappen has already considered leaving his championship-winning team, and this year will be his last. But where should he go? Or end his F1 career, something Max has already hinted at.
2. Norris will not retain the world championship title
Lando’s championship in 2025 was a tough fight, and even within his own team, he didn’t have a clear advantage. It will be even more difficult in 2026.
3. Lewis Hamilton will win at least one race
The seven-time world champion may have lost his motivation during his season with Ferrari, but not his skill. And if the car is slightly better than in 2025, Lewis will definitely take advantage of the opportunity at least once.
4. Fernando Alonso will win at least one race
It’s simply time.
5. Hadjar will lose the rivalry to Verstappen at Red Bull, but will be closer than Max’s previous teammates
Everyone who has been on the same team as Max has lost to him outright. One of the best rookies in the 2025 season won’t be able to beat Verstappen either, but he should offer more resistance due to his skill and Max’s potential loss of motivation if the team fails to challenge for the championship.
6. Cadillac can score points
New teams starting from scratch always have a very difficult time in the first few seasons. But the potential chaos in the F1 team hierarchy at the start of the new regulations and the enormous experience of the drivers, coupled with the motivation to show that they are still capable of something, will help Cadillac cling to points in at least a couple of races.
formula143 