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A raft of new regulations promise to make the 2026 Formula One one of the most open and competitive for many years.
F1 standings 2026: Driver and constructor points, results for new Formula One season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The 2026 Formula 1 season starts at Melbourne Park with the Australian Grand Prix on the weekend of March 6-8.
Lando Norris became world champion for the first time in 2025 after finishing third at a dramatic concluding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out race winner Max Verstappen in the title battle by just two points. Oscar Piastri finished third. It ended Verstappen's streak of four consecutive world titles and gave McLaren their first since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
McLaren also claimed the constructors' title after a largely dominant 2025, with Mercedes finishing a distant second. The possibility of this being the start of a dominant period for McLaren — similar to those enjoyed by Red Bull and Mercedes in recent years — has been complicated by a series of new regulations affecting engines, chassis, tyres, and fuel. As a result, this could be one of the most open seasons in recent memory.
The season will also be slightly shorter, with both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix canceled due to the conflict in Iran and surrounding areas. MORE: F1 standings 2025, explained: How Max Verstappen came so close to all-time upset F1 Drivers' World Championship 2026 standings, points Standings updated after the Chinese Grand Prix Position Driver Team Points 1. George Russell Mercedes 51 2.