Martin Brundle believes any driver from the top four F1 teams could win the 2026 championship. Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Haas are in contention as the season resumes in Miami after a month-long break.
Key points
Martin Brundle identifies top four teams as championship contenders
Mercedes has shown dominance in the first three races
Ferrari drivers secured podium finishes in early races
McLaren made a strong recovery in Japan
F1 season resumes in Miami after a month-long break
MercedesFerrariMcLarenHaas
Former F1 driver and presenter Martin Brundle has revealed that any of the drivers in the top four teams are capable of winning the 2026 championship, as the sport returns to action this weekend in Miami after an unexpected month-long break.
While Mercedes showcased its dominance in the first three races under the 2026 regulations with new cars that are powered equally by internal combustion and electric power, the other teams are not too far behind, especially Ferrari, which came closest to Mercedes on the track.
Both Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, secured podium finishes in the first three rounds, while McLaren, which fell back in the first two Grands Prix, exhibited an impressive recovery in Japan with Oscar Piastriâs P2 finish.
With teams expected to bounce back with faster cars after the April break, Brundle says the top four teams could have a world champion among them. The 2026 Teamsâ Standings list Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Haas as the top four teams in the same order, meaning any driver belonging to these teams with sufficient points could win the championship.
Speaking of the Driversâ Championship, the order shows a similar picture with Mercedesâ Kimi Antonelli leading the championship with 72 points, while his teammate George Russell trails by nine points in second place.
Third and fourth spots are occupied by Leclerc and Hamilton, respectively, followed by McLarenâs Lando Norris and Piastri in fifth and sixth. The seventh spot is held by Haas driver Oliver Bearman, while Alpine driver Pierre Gasly is in eighth. Haasâ Esteban Ocon did not make it on the list, since he is placed P15, having scored just one point.
Q&A
Which F1 drivers are likely to win the 2026 championship?
Drivers from Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Haas are considered likely contenders for the 2026 championship.
What teams are leading in the 2026 F1 standings?
The top four teams in the 2026 F1 standings are Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Haas.
When does the F1 season return after the April break?
The F1 season returns this weekend in Miami after a month-long break.
Mikel Arteta criticized the VAR decision to overturn a penalty for Eberechi Eze, calling it 'completely unacceptable'. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Transfer
Papers: Rogers emerges as Man Utd's top attacking target
Morgan Rogers emerges as Manchester United's top attacking target at ÂŁ86m
Sky Sports··1 min read
MLB
Fantasy Baseball Injury Rankings: Top 50 IL stashes with Garrett Crochet, Pete Fairbanks joining the wounded
New fantasy baseball injury rankings feature 52 players, including Crochet and Fairbanks.
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
Sports
2026 Kentucky Derby predictions, horses, odds, date: Surprising picks from top horse racing expert
Get ready for the 2026 Kentucky Derby: predictions, odds, and top horses!
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
Sports
Nick Saban calls for âequilibriumâ in college football, points to NFL salary cap
Nick Saban urges for salary cap in college football to achieve balance
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
UFC Fight Night 275 pre-event facts: Carlos Prates top KO artist of recent years
UFC Fight Night 275 features Della Maddalena vs. Prates in Perth!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Could one of these drivers win the championship this year? There is a high possibility of that playing out, according to Brundle, unless something drastic occurs mid-season where a team unlocks enough performance to make it back to the top, especially with 19 races left to go. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former driver said: