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8h ago

McLaren Extends Lead as F1 Unveils Partial 2026 Driver Roster

F1 published just 14 of 22 drivers for 2026, leaving eight seats vacant as teams recalibrate toward sweeping rules changes.

Williams driver Carlos Sainz of Spain, centre, and Alpine driver Franco Colapinto of Argentina take part in the drivers parade before the British Formula One Grand Prix race at the Silverstone racetrack in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
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Overview

  • McLaren’s MCL39 has won 11 of 14 races to build a 299-point margin in the constructors’ standings, with Oscar Piastri edging Lando Norris for the drivers’ lead, and CEO Zak Brown vowing no preferential treatment between them.
  • Mercedes driver George Russell raised fresh legality concerns over Ferrari’s SF-25 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, suggesting its ride height may breach regulations.
  • Lewis Hamilton’s public critique of his own performance after failing to reach Q3 in Hungary has reignited speculation about his future at Ferrari.
  • Formula 1’s release of a preliminary 2026 entry list confirmed only 14 of 22 seats, notably omitting Franco Colapinto and Sergio Pérez and leaving key vacancies at Mercedes, Red Bull and newcomer Cadillac.
  • Teams including Williams have halted substantive upgrades on their 2025 cars, reallocating development efforts toward next year’s sweeping technical regulations.