An artificial intelligence model has made a bold prediction for the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship, reported by Givemesport, forecasting Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli to secure the title. The prediction, updated on June 29, 2026, comes eight races into a season that has seen Mercedes demonstrate significant early dominance under new regulations.

Antonelli, just 19 years old, is projected to finish with 438 points, capping a remarkable season that has already included five consecutive victories in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, and Monaco. His win in China notably made him the second-youngest Grand Prix winner in the sport’s history. This predicted triumph marks a significant leap for Antonelli, who finished seventh overall in the 2025 season.

Mercedes’ strong start and Antonelli’s rise

Mercedes’ strong performance is further highlighted by George Russell, who is predicted to finish second in the championship with 382 points. Russell opened the season with a victory at the Australian Grand Prix and returned to winning ways at the Austrian Grand Prix. Despite some mixed results, including a DNF in Canada and a 12th-place finish in Monaco, his consistent form has kept him at the sharp end of the grid.

The 2026 season, which has seen the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, leaves 14 Grands Prix remaining. This extended period will test the AI’s predictions against the reality of on-track competition.

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Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter and Verstappen’s challenge

Lewis Hamilton, in his inaugural season with Ferrari, is projected to finish third with 295 points. Hamilton secured his first win since 2024 at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and picked up his first podium for Ferrari in China. The AI notes that his vast experience is a significant asset:

“Hamilton’s experience helps Ferrari score consistent podiums. However, sharing points with Leclerc could stop him from finishing higher. At this stage of his career, he may focus more on consistent results than aggressive title fights.”

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing is predicted to finish fourth with 270 points. Despite his proven talent, the AI suggests that the new regulations might hinder his title aspirations if Red Bull cannot provide a dominant car:

“Even if Red Bull struggle with the new regulations early, Verstappen is one of the best drivers in F1 history and will drag the car to strong results. However, if the car isn’t dominant like previous years, it will be hard for him to fight for the title.” Verstappen currently holds 73 points after eight races, including a second-place finish in Austria.

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Rounding out the top seven are Oscar Piastri (McLaren), projected fifth with 224 points, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) in sixth with 208 points, and reigning 2025 champion Lando Norris (McLaren) in seventh with 188 points. Piastri, who finished third overall in 2025, overcame a challenging start to 2026 with two DNFs in the first two Grands Prix, bouncing back with podium finishes in Japan and Miami. Leclerc has had a mixed bag of results, including podiums in Australia and Japan, but also crashes in Monaco and Barcelona.

Further down the predicted standings, emerging talents are making their mark:

Isack Hadjar (Red Bull): Predicted 8th with 112 points. He has already scored 42 points this season, including a third-place finish in Monaco.

Pierre Gasly (Alpine): Predicted 9th with 94 points. Gasly, who finished 18th in 2025, has amassed 41 points so far in 2026.

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Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls): Predicted 10th with 68 points. Lawson has 30 points this season, with results in five races including a ninth-place finish in Austria.

The AI model, as reported by GiveMeSport, also predicted the final standings for the remainder of the grid, including Franco Colapinto (Williams) in 11th and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) in 12th, indicating a season of significant shifts and new contenders.

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