Sports
F1 2026 Drivers’ Championship Predicted by AI
We are now just over a week away from the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season and excitement is already building. The cars have been launched, the teams are decided, and pre-season testing is all concluded, all that’s left to do now is race!
As always, the F1 season begins Down Under with Australia set to host the curtain-raiser next weekend, the 8th of March, and all eyes will be on who can handle the new rules and regulations the best.
It doesn’t seem that long ago we were all witnessing McLaren celebrating yet another Constructors’ Championship and Lando Norris delivering his first Drivers’ Championship. However, that’s all in the past now and our eyes are firmly set on next season with the new cars and the new regulations in place.
That bodes the question: who is going to deal with the new regulations the best? Well, we have asked AI to predict the top 10 Drivers’ Championship for next season after the results from pre-season testing, and the findings are interesting to say the least.
10
Oliver Bearman
Haas
Starting off the top 10 is Haas‘ Oliver Bearman, with AI predicting a strong and possible breakout season for the youngster, who made his debut in the sport just last season.
The Brit impressed for the majority in 2025, and eventually ended the campaign 13th in the Drivers’ Championship, with his best result coming in Mexico, finishing just off the podium in fourth.
He totalled 41 points last season, just 15 off the top 10, but AI is backing him to make those improvements and solidify himself as one of the best of the rest.
AI wrote: “Haas looked competitive (Bearman in top times), with good mileage. Bearman could emerge as a breakout star in the midfield fight.”
9
Pierre Gasly
Alpine
Although 2025 was a season largely to forget for Pierre Gasly, AI has him bouncing back nicely in 2026, finishing ninth in the Drivers’ Championship with Alpine.
The Frenchman finished 18th in last season’s standings, accumulating a measly 22 points, with his best finish coming at Silverstone, where he finished sixth. However, two retirements and a disqualification, as well as just five point finishes, didn’t help Gasly and Alpine whatsoever.
AI is confident both Gasly and Alpine will improve this season, however, saying: “Alpine surprised with solid top-eight times (Gasly 1:33.4s). Consistent midfield contender.”
8
Isack Hadjar
Red Bull
Isack Hadjar did enough last season in his debut campaign to earn himself a big move to Red Bull, taking on the infamous and somewhat cursed second seat next to Max Verstappen.
Liam Lawson couldn’t fill the seat, nor could Yuki Tsunoda, so it’s over to the man that finished 12th in last season’s Drivers’ Championship to see if he can fill the hardest cockpit in the sport.
Hadjar secured 10 point finishes last season, including an impressive podium in the Netherlands, but more eyes and more scrutiny will be on him this season in a potentially title-challenging car.
However, AI has him finishing in eighth place, maybe suggesting that they don’t see Red Bull challenging at the very top next season.
“Promising rookie alongside Verstappen; testing showed decent pace for the team. Could score regularly if Red Bull improves,” AI has said.
7
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
In probably the biggest surprise yet, AI has Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, finishing a measly seventh next season, which indicates just how much they’re expecting Red Bull to struggle with the new regulations.
Discussing the Dutchman’s title chances, AI said: “Red Bull wasn’t fastest in testing but focused on race pace/reliability (new in-house PU with Ford). Verstappen’s skill keeps him winning races and high in points, even if the car isn’t dominant.”
With Verstappen out of the title picture, according to AI at least, the 2026 season could look very, very interesting when it comes to podiums and race wins.
6
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
Make no mistake, Ferrari are expected to have a much stronger season in 2026 than they did in 2025, especially going off the results in pre-season testing, but AI is still predicting Lewis Hamilton to struggle and only finish sixth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Funnily enough, that’s exactly where he finished last season, picking up 156 points during his debut campaign with the Prancing Horse. However, he didn’t even secure one single podium in 2025, something that will surely change in 2026?
AI said: “Strong in testing (e.g., 1:33.4s), but Leclerc’s edge suggests Hamilton plays a supporting role initially. Experience could yield wins.”
5
George Russell
Mercedes
Before pre-season testing had even begun, a supercomputer predicted that George Russell would win the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, picking up an impressive 394 points along the way.
However, AI disagrees and has placed the British Mercedes driver at fifth, just ahead of his old teammate and countryman Hamilton. This finish would see him one place worse off than last year, where he finished fourth on 319 points.
AI said: “High mileage king in testing, reliable, and quick (often P6 range). Mercedes’ bounce-back form makes him a podium regular, possibly a title contender if updates flow.”
4
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
Could George Russell be beaten by his lesser-experienced teammate in just his second season at Mercedes? According to AI he could!
Kimi Antonelli is predicted to finish fourth in this year’s Drivers’ Championship, which would be a steady improvement from his seventh-placed finish last season.
He did achieve three podiums last season, but his four retirements really cost him a debut season to truly remember.
AI wrote: “The young star topped sessions and impressed with raw speed. Mercedes had strong overall testing (high laps, good balance), and Antonelli could outshine Russell in this reset era.”
3
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
For much of last season it looked like Oscar Piastri was going to win the Drivers’ Championship. However, a run of six races near the end of the season just didn’t go to plan for the Australian, and he eventually finished third overall, even falling behind Verstappen in the pecking order.
A retirement, a disqualification, and then four races in a row off the podium cost Piastri big time, leaving him third overall on 410 points, 13 behind teammate and eventual winner Norris.
While discussing Piastri’s chances this season, AI said: “Close to Norris, with excellent racecraft and testing pace (e.g., 1:32.861s). McLaren’s consistency should keep both in contention all year.”
2
Lando Norris
McLaren
Lando Norris WON’T be going back-to-back, according to AI, as he will have to settle for second this season.
After winning his first-ever Drivers’ Championship in 2025, ahead of Verstappen and Piastri, all eyes will be on how Norris performs in 2026 and how he defends his title, but according to AI, he’ll be unsuccessful, narrowly missing out on going back-to-back.
Seven race wins, 18 podiums in total, and 423 points won capped off a remarkable 2025 for the Brit, and he’ll be up there once again in 2026, but it won’t be the top spot if AI is correct.
“McLaren enters as back-to-back Constructors’ Champs with momentum. Norris often edges Piastri in qualifying, and their car showed top-three pace/reliability. Expect them to win races early and fight for the title,” AI said.
1
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
We’re going to have back-to-back first-time champions, according to AI, as they have predicted that Charles Leclerc of Ferrari will win the 2026 Drivers’ Championship.
It’s no secret that the Prancing Horse has looked strong in pre-season testing, so that’s probably why AI has backed Leclerc to be crowned champion, but it’s interesting to see they’ve backed him over his more-experienced teammate in Hamilton.
Leclerc finished fifth last season, picking up seven podiums along the way, something his teammate couldn’t achieve just once, so maybe that’s why AI is backing him to get the job done for the iconic constructor this season.
When discussing Leclerc, AI said: “Ferrari looked the class of the field on raw pace, with Leclerc setting the benchmark and Lewis Hamilton providing strong support/data. The new regs suit their engine/aero strengths, and Leclerc’s qualifying edge could shine without DRS chaos.”
Daniel Farke and his Leeds United team will be hoping to kick on even further during the 2026/27 season after a strong first season back in the Premier League.
Tipped to be relegated and return to the Championship at the first time of asking, Leeds comfortably finished the season in 14th, eight points above West Ham in the final relegation place.
The West Yorkshire club also featured in an FA Cup semi-final which they narrowly lost against Chelsea.
Leeds fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that more is to come from the team over the course of the next 12 months and key to that will be adding new players to the squad.
Leeds are yet to confirm any new signings so far this summer but all will be hoping it isn’t too long before new arrivals sign on the dotted line at Elland Road.
Charles update
Leeds are keen to strengthen their midfield for the new season with a move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
The Northern Ireland international played a pivotal role for Saints last campaign as he helped them reach the Championship play-offs and also the semi-final of the FA Cup.
After failing to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, Charles looks on course to depart Southampton ahead of the new season and Leeds are hopeful of luring him to Elland Road.
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According to the Daily Mail, the West Yorkshire club have submitted an improved offer of £23million plus add-ons for the 22-year-old.
Charles, who came through Manchester City’s academy, is valued at £30m by Southampton and City are believed to have a 15 per cent sell-on clause on their former player.
Charles’ evolution
The ex-Sheffield Wednesday loanee came in for plenty of praise last season following his performances in the middle of the pitch for Southampton.
Set to turn 23 at the beginning of November, the Manchester-born player is currently going through a key phase where he is maturing from a talented youngster into a senior player.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has labelled him as a ‘massive player’ who ‘blows’ his opponents away.
Meanwhile, Saints boss Tonda Eckert noted that when speaking about his player back in April following another starring role on the pitch.
“He’s growing at the moment. You have that transition as a player, especially at this stage of a career, where you’re not a talent anymore,” he said, as reported by the Southern Daily Echo.
“You are only judged on performance. That’s a transition moment that Taylor [Harwood-Bellis] has done, where players come from big academies.
“They are big prospects and have already done something in their career, but the point where you are being considered a talent at one point is over.
“Then you need to perform, and I think he’s in the middle of that process of maturing a lot. I think he had a very good game against Blackburn.”
Manchester United‘s search for a new midfielder is ongoing after they missed out on Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham. The Red Devils wanted the West Ham midfielder but were outbid by Spurs, who are spending huge money to improve their squad this summer.
Spurs agreed to pay £85million to sign the young Portuguese star, and that fee proved too high for United, at least in the case of that specific player. Michael Carrick will be very aware that holding or hybrid midfielder is going to cost big money this summer, with such players dominating the market currently, as shown by Elliot Anderson’s £116million move to Manchester City.
One alternative United are being linked with is Real Madrid and France superstar Aurelien Tchouameni, and there has been an update on that particular interest from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd’s Aurelien Tchouameni dream
According to Romano, Tchouameni is a dream target for United, but it’s not just Real Madrid’s likely reluctance to sell standing in the way of a deal.
“Manchester United will still sign a midfielder. Man United were planning to sign two, one is going to be Ederson, and they will still sign one more, at least one more,” he said on his YouTube show.
“Then many of you are asking me about Tchouameni now. Tchouameni is a dream signing for Man United. They love the player, but at the moment, the financials of the deal are considered still too high, because also the salary — it is not just about Real Madrid, it’s also about the salary. The salary of Aurelien Tchouameni is considered too high. So, the only way to open doors to Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United after missing out on Fernandes is to discuss a completely different salary, and at the moment, it is still not something happening.”
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid currently have no plans to sell Tchouameni, and only a huge offer is likely to get them to consider a sale regardless of whether they sign a new midfielder or not this summer.
Ferdinand backs Tchouameni move
United legend Rio Ferdinand has been calling for United to go all-out to sign Tchouameni this summer. He said on his own YouTube show: “My biggest thing about it (Mourinho going to Real Madrid) is are United going to get Tchouameni? Because I keep seeing that talked about, and he’d be one of the first midfielders on my list if we had a possibility of getting someone to go in there to replace Casemiro. Tchouameni would be that guy.
“Do you know what? I know I’ve been sitting here saying that Jose is going to be the man to reintegrate Tchouameni and Valverde together and keep them at Real Madrid.
“But I’ve got to say, if Tchouameni has a half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man Utd have to be the first team at the door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else. Get him signed, sealed, delivered.”
Man Utd Get Green Light To Sign ‘Dream’ Transfer Target As Club Listen To Offers
Manchester United may have been given a clear path to sign a dream transfer target this summer, as links continue to heat up.
Goals were extremely hard to come by for Tottenham’s attacking players last season.
As a result, Spurs found themselves falling down the Premier League table at an alarming rate towards the drop zone.
Defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, who was second in the club’s goalscoring charts for the term with seven goals, scored the all-important goal on the final day of the season in the 1-0 win over Everton to preserve the club’s Premier League status.
Amid the struggle for goals, Tottenham have plenty of work to do in the transfer market in an attacking sense once the signings of midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a joint fee of £185m are officially confirmed.
Kroupi tops three-man shortlist
Tottenham are targeting a new left-sided forward for the new season and Bournemouth ace Eli Junior Kroupi tops a three-man shortlist, according to The Independent.
The 20-year-old only made his debut for the Cherries last August after remaining with French side Lorient for the remainder of the 2024/25 season after the clubs struck a £10m agreement back in February 2025.
Kroupi proved to be an instant hit for the Cherries in an incredible debut season for the club, scoring 13 times and earning a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in the process.
The France Under-21 international has come to the attention of clubs as a result of his sparkling form, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain keen on his services.
Bournemouth, if they decide to sell, will make a huge profit on their player and a figure upwards of £80million has been mooted.
The Independent report that Rafael Leao of AC Milan has been broached as an option in informal discussions with the Serie A giants, and there is still the possibility that they move for Savinho.
The Manchester City ace was heavily linked with Tottenham last summer but a transfer for the Brazilian never materialised, with Kroupi now appearing to move ahead of him as a target as Tottenham look to strengthen down the left.
A “generational talent”
Tottenham could well add a “generational talent” to their squad if they strike a deal with Bournemouth for Kroupi.
Speaking back in January, Bournemouth player Marcus Tavernier waxed lyrical about his teammate following their 3-2 defeat against Arsenal, a game in which the attacker added another goal to his tally for the season.
“I’ve said before, Junior is a generational talent,” said Tavernier, as reported by Bournemouth’s official website. “The club has done an amazing job to pick Kroupi up.
“That boy has an unbelievable future ahead of him and today he showed why he’s such a good talent in the world of football.”
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