The 2026 Formula 1 will kick off in spectacular fashion on March 8 in Melbourne, Australia, and fans are already speculating about pilots and teams. New technical regulations will make the race even more thrilling and unpredictable, with established brands and newcomers competing for a spot in the Olympus of cars.
Ferrari is asking for forgiveness from their fans, after a disappointing 2025 championship, and Lewis Hamilton needs to restore his fame and prestige. Speaking of Ferrari, those looking to bet on the Italian team to win can take advantage of the bonus bets available on oddschecker, minimizing losses and benefiting from individual bets. The first four races are usually pretty intense, with everyone trying to secure a spot under the spotlight.
Max Verstappen: The Benchmark To Beat
When it comes to outright pace and championship odds, Max Verstappen remains the benchmark. The Dutch powerhouse has been priced as the favourite in early markets, consistently topping the drivers’ championship odds thanks to a blend of raw pace and unerring racecraft.
Verstappen’s championship calculus isn’t just about muscle — it’s how he maximises every session, qualifying trim, and strategic decision that makes him such a terrifying prospect for rivals. In 2025, we saw glimpses of his relentless approach pay dividends on circuits where position and momentum are everything — traits that will be invaluable when sprint format days or chaotic strategy calls come into play.
George Russell: Mercedes’ Silent Storm
Mercedes has already made people talk about the coming season, with its unveiling of the W17 and announcement of new partnerships (most notably, that with Microsoft). That said, their stoic and elite pilot makes the true difference in the upcoming championship. Where others might crack, he finds extra tenths on worn tyres and extracts performance that turns strategic gambles into podiums.
In a season where regulation changes upend the form book, Mercedes’ adaptability could be crucial — and Russell’s maturity with every lap makes him one of the most realistic challengers to lift the trophy.
Lando Norris: The Reigning Champion With Fire In His Eyes
Something happens when a champion comes back to defend their title. This could be a complete disaster or an improved hunger for winning. And it seems like 2025’s champion is leaning to the latter, with the help of his team.
McLaren chose to refine rather than change last year’s winning car, and they are giving the same renovated trust to their main pilot. A strategy that rewards consistency could pay major dividends once the season settles, particularly if McLaren’s mid-season upgrades slice lap time where it matters most. Norris understandably wants to consolidate the title. And fans are here to see how it will go.
Who Is Going To Win The Constructors’ Title?
As the grid prepares for its first green flag of 2026, three names are firmly in the constructors’ title picture:
- Mercedes
Sporting one of the most comprehensively redesigned cars on the grid and strengthened by fresh sponsorship and engineering momentum, Mercedes enters as a favourite. Odds markets have swung in their favour due to their adaptability under the new rule set — a trait that could see them string together podiums early in the season and build crucial momentum.
- McLaren
Defending its 10th Constructors’ title, McLaren is going strong on stability and reliability. Same pilot and same, improved car that could turn out to be Oscar Piastri’s opportunity to shine. They are a formidable force and have many fans all over the world who will be thrilled to celebrate three years in a row.
- Ferrari
Fans are disappointed and drivers are eager to measure up to the Scuderia’s fame. They only need a little push, which seems to lie in engineering changes and a re-energised driver line-up. History and heritage means something, after all, even in the evolving world of racing.
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