Four Formula 1 Drivers Exceeding Expectations In 2026

20th May 2026 0 By Joe Briley

Formula 1’s new era has brought major changes to the competitive order and a number of drivers have taken full advantage, exceeding expectations during the opening races of the 2026 season.

Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool

The new regulations have completely reshuffled the competitive order, Mercedes are leading at the front while last year’s champions McLaren have found themselves only in the fight for podiums. A number of drivers have seen their fortunes change as well.

Attention has naturally been focused on the fight at the front, a number of drivers have quietly put together impressive starts to the campaign through consistency, strong points returns and performances that have elevated their teams in the midfield battle.

From an early championship contender to drivers dragging teams higher than many predicted, these are four F1 drivers exceeding expectations in 2026.

Kimi Antonelli

Antonelli entered the season expected to build on an encouraging rookie campaign but few could’ve predicted the start he has produced.

The Italian has won three of the opening four rounds and leads Mercedes teammate George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship with Russell’s sole victory in the opening round at Australia the only result preventing a clean sweep in full race format for Antonelli.

Many expected progress during his second season in the sport but instead Antonelli has immediately established himself as a genuine championship contender and one of the standout performers of the campaign.

Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly has quietly produced one of the strongest starts to his F1 career in 2026.

The Alpine driver sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship with 16 points after the opening four races, leaving him just six points short of matching his entire total from last season.

While his performances may not have generated the same attention as some of the younger drivers on the grid but Gasly has once again shown his ability to maximise opportunities and deliver results when it matters, meaning Alpine lead the midfield – sitting fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.

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Ollie Bearman

Ollie Bearman has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the opening rounds and has quickly established himself as a leader within Haas.

The Brit sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with 17 points after four races, making him the highest-placed midfield driver ahead of a number of experienced names.

Perhaps the most impressive stat is his advantage over teammate Esteban Ocon. Bearman has outscored the Frenchman 17 points to one, giving him a commanding lead in the intra-team battle.

Many expected Bearman to take a step forward once again in 2026 but his start to the campaign has been really impressive.

Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto’s start to the 2026 season may not have produced the same headlines as some of F1’s front-runners, but the Argentine has taken an important step forward.

After failing to score a point in 2025, Colapinto has already collected four points in the opening four races of 2026 and shown significant improvement when it comes to maximising results/

Colapinto has turned flashes of pace into composed, consistent performances and points which has helped strengthen Alpine’s position in the midfield battle.

The early stages of the season have certainly helped justify Alpine’s decision to retain him.

Four Formula 1 Drivers Exceeding Expectations In 2026