Race Preview

Antonelli takes an engine penalty at his home race, Norris arrives on a two-win streak, and Ferrari wear Schumacher red. Round 13 is the first real test of the 2026 cars' batteries at full stretch.

F1 returns from the break for Zandvoort's farewell - a sprint weekend, an injured Hadjar replaced by Lawson, and a home crowd whose hero just signed until 2030 in a car that can't currently win.

Round 11 closes the first half at the Hungaroring, where track position is everything and overtaking is a rumour. Antonelli's Spa win pushed his lead to 45 - Hamilton has won here eight times.

Round 10 goes to Spa-Francorchamps with the title fight closer than it has been since May. Antonelli leads Russell by 25 and Hamilton by 32 - and the Ardennes writes its own weather.

Round 09 brings a sprint weekend to Silverstone. Russell and Hamilton race at home off the back of wins, Norris chases at McLaren - and all three are looking up at a 19-year-old Italian leading by 40.

Round 08 takes the grid to the Red Bull Ring with the home team fourth and winless. Antonelli leads by 41, Ferrari are surging - and Spielberg's braking zones reward exactly what Red Bull lack.

Round 07 leaves Monaco for the circuit that has measured F1 cars for thirty years. Antonelli leads by 66 after five wins from six - Barcelona shows whether the Mercedes is fast or just well driven.

Round 06 takes the 2026 cars to Monte Carlo, where pole is half the win and a 43-point lead means nothing for two hours. Antonelli has four wins from five - Monaco is the best chance yet to stop him.

Round 5 in Montreal on May 24 - sprint format, low-grip surface, Wall of Champions. Antonelli leads the championship by 26 points after three wins from four. Here's what's at stake.

Round 4 in Miami on May 3 is a sprint weekend - the first long-haul flyaway after a five-week gap. Antonelli has won the last two. Can anyone stop a third?

Round 3 at Suzuka on March 29 is the first true high-downforce test of the 2026 cars. Mercedes lead both championships. Can Antonelli and Russell make it three in a row?

Round 2 in Shanghai is a sprint weekend - one practice session, two qualifyings, two races. After Russell's lights-to-flag win in Melbourne, the question is whether Mercedes' pace is the new normal.

Round 1 of the 2026 season runs in Melbourne on March 8 - the first race of the new 50/50 PU and active-aero regulations. Pre-season testing barely told us anything. Here's what to watch.