As we are now into the summer break, I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick recap of the first half of the Formula 1 season, and what a strange one it has been. I would say this season has had a very unpredictable start. I’m not just talking about with the new rules and regulations, where drivers will be practically living the modern-day dread of seeing their phone hit 1% battery, but more with cancelled races and no 100% clear winner driving off into the distance. Mercedes do have a strong chance, and at one point looked like they were going to be running away with the championship, but there car isn’t a reliable one. I think the fact that we have had 5 different race winners, in the last 5 races, speaks volumes that we can’t rule out Ferrari, or even McLaren, in the fight for the championship. Kimi has the most race wins with a total of 6, and there’s only 2 races where he hasn’t finished on the podium. Although impressive, we can’t take away from the fact that Lewis has only had 1 race win, with a total of 5 podium finishes, and is only 50 points behind Kimi. I did throw in McLaren in the mix with their driver Lando Norris. This is a long shot, but you just never know what the second half brings, as we saw last season with Max Verstappen.
Speaking of Max, and it’s sad to be talking about him in this way, but it is disappointing that he isn’t up there with the rest of them. I think the car has been a total let down this year, and Max seems completely over it. As a Red Bull fan, it is heavily frustrating, and at the moment, I am happy with any top 5 finish. To have 3 DNFs already is quite shocking, so lets hope the second half of the season is better. Another driver I wanted to talk about was Oscar Piastri. I’m not going to lie, he was set to have a good race at Hungary, but unfortunately that changed. Dare I say he has underperformed so far and has been a bit underwhelming? I feel harsh for saying that because I do like him, but compared to last season, he has gone a bit under the radar. It doesn’t help that Norris is always favored over him, and this is the main reason I can’t get behind McLaren. A driver that has impressed is Kimi Antonelli. I can’t believe I once criticised Mercedes for taking him on. You can tell he wants it enough, and he’s pulled off some really good moves so far. He seems to be able to deal with being under pressure pretty well, and is definitely putting George Russell through their paces.
The constructors championship isn’t as much of a close battle, and there is probably just two teams that emerge as genuine contenders. Them being Mercedes and Ferrari. I have to admit, I don’t want to take away from the fact that Leclerc is a fantastic driver, but I feel Lewis is carrying this team. Not to mention Ferrari are always making questionable strategy calls. Mercedes on the other hand who are leading, have got two fairly consistent drivers, which has led them to currently claim the top spot. There is only 72 points separating them, which sounds like a lot, but it isn’t. Other teams have struggled with reliability like the likes of McLaren and Red Bull, which paints a very different picture to last season. I honestly believe Hadjar was a good move for Red Bull, and that he can drive the car well. I can’t blame the lack of points on him. I just don’t even know what is going on with Red Bull at this point. Just a lack of pace and reliability. Aston Martin are having a shocker as well, with only one point. I think if I was a driver for that team, I would have trouble showing up. Why are we racing at this point? In the second half of the season with development upgrades, hopefully we see some positive changes!
The first half of the 2026 season has produced plenty of memorable moments, that have helped make this championship so entertaining. From some dramatic battles for a victory race win, to unexpected podium finishes, there has rarely been a shortage of talking points on a race weekend. One of the standout moments for me came at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Pierre Gasly produced an impressive performance to claim an unexpected third place podium finish, while the battle between Antonelli and Max, ended pretty quickly, as Max didn’t even make it off the start line. *cries* I think there was 6 drivers that race that suffered from DNF’s. There have also been moments of frustration, with Lewis picking up every penalty going, which has cost him points, that could have brought him much closer to the championship than what he is right now. Away from the championship battle itself, races such as the Spanish Grand Prix, will probably be one of the most remembered races of the season, due to it being Lewis’s first ever win for Ferrari. With so many races still to come, there is every chance that the biggest and most memorable moment of the 2026 season is still waiting to happen.
Away from the championship battle, the first half of the 2026 season has provided plenty of other talking points. Driver performances have been a major focus, particularly the progress of the younger drivers, and how they have handled the pressure of competing alongside more experienced teammates. I think the main one being between Kimi and George, with a question mark over Georges future. I don’t even want to write this, but there is also a lot of speculation on Max’s future as well. I hope that day never comes, but I would rather him go to Mercedes, than leave the sport altogether. There has also been plenty of attention on the development race between the teams, with upgrades and technical changes, playing an important role in determining who has gained, or lost performance as the season has progressed. Team strategy and reliability have also made headlines, with mistakes in the pit lane, or mechanical problems, costing valuable points on several occasions. Meanwhile, the usual debates surrounding driver rivalries, team orders, and decisions made by the FIA, have continued to generate discussion among fans. I think we’ll definitely see some contract changes in the next half!
As the season reaches its halfway point, there is still plenty to be decided in the races ahead. The championship battle remains wide open, with every point becoming increasingly important as the pressure begins to build. The second half of the season, will also provide teams with further opportunities to introduce upgrades and close the gap to their rivals, potentially changing the competitive order once again. With some of the biggest and most challenging circuits still to come, there could be plenty more twists and turns, before the chequered flag falls at the final race. If the first half of 2026 is anything to go by, we could be in for a thrilling conclusion, to what is starting to become a memorable season. I’m not a betting person, but at this stage, I can honestly see Lewis closing in on Kimi. Providing Ferrari can get their strategies right, he is still very much in the running for this. Also, I can’t end this post without mentioning the return of the Malaysia Grand Prix. I think a lot of us are very excited about this, myself included, and it just mixes things up a little. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised, if we see a little announcement when it comes to their turn to hosting the weekend.
How have you found the season so far?
Amy x
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