The Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of the Season So Far

• The 2026 season has turned the F1 grid upside down, bringing new leaders and unexpected challenges.

The 2026 Formula 1 season has begun in a completely different way than many imagined. Right from the first few races, it became clear that the new era of regulations has deeply shifted the team hierarchy. The unexpected dominance of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team and the decline in Red Bull Racing's performance are just a few signs that we are facing an unpredictable championship.

Among the biggest surprises of the season, the name that stands out most is Kimi Antonelli. The young driver arrived in Formula 1 surrounded by expectations, but few imagined he would be fighting for victories so early. Demonstrating maturity, consistency, and speed, Antonelli has already established himself as one of the championship's protagonists.

Another positive highlight is the return to the top for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. After seasons of instability, the German team seems to have better understood the new technical regulations. The car's balance, combined with efficiency in energy management, has been a key differentiator in the races.

McLaren also appears as a welcome surprise. The team has shown significant evolution and has returned to being among the most competitive on the grid. Much of this performance is thanks to Oscar Piastri, who has been demonstrating an increasingly solid level of driving.

On the other hand, not everyone has reason to celebrate. Red Bull Racing, which dominated previous seasons, is facing clear difficulties in 2026. Tuning issues and adaptation to the new technical package have placed the team in an unusual position, far from the direct fight for wins.

This drop in performance directly impacts Max Verstappen. Used to fighting for titles and leading races, the driver now has to deal with a less competitive car. Despite his evident talent, the results have not matched the standard that defined him in recent years.

Another name appearing among the disappointments is Lewis Hamilton. Surrounded by expectations at the start of the season, the seven-time champion is still seeking his best form within the new technical landscape. Adapting to the car and the demands of the new regulations has been more challenging than expected.

Many of these changes can be explained by the new Formula 1 regulations. A greater dependence on electric energy and the need for more efficient management during the race have completely altered how teams compete. It’s not enough to just have speed; strategy and precision are essential.

Teams that managed to better interpret these changes, like Mercedes, have come out on top. Others, like Red Bull, are still trying to find the ideal balance. This shows how Formula 1 remains a highly technical sport, where details make all the difference.

With this scenario, the 2026 season remains open and full of possibilities. The balance between teams may shift over the coming races, especially at challenging tracks like Suzuka. There is still much of the championship ahead, and twists cannot be ruled out.

Ultimately, the big question remains: who will be able to best adapt to this new era of Formula 1? While some teams already seem to have found the right path, others are still struggling to find themselves. It is precisely this uncertainty that makes the 2026 season so interesting to follow.