The Shift in Championship Momentum
After an unexpected five-week break in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, the momentum has clearly shifted at the front of the pack. Since the season resumed in Miami, Kimi Antonelli has maintained his spectacular form, securing his third consecutive victory. This run has allowed him to surpass his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, in both performance and the latest betting projections.
As a result, Mercedes remains the clear frontrunner in the 2026 Constructors' Championship odds, with McLaren and Ferrari actively working to close the gap.
Drivers' Championship Favorites
The betting landscape for the Drivers' title has undergone significant changes in recent weeks:
- Kimi Antonelli (+120): Initially considered a dark horse despite having never won an F1 race, Antonelli proved the doubters wrong with his breakthrough win at the Chinese GP. Following it up with another victory in Japan and a third straight win in Miami, he is now the clear favorite.
- George Russell (+225): Russell was widely regarded as the preseason favorite, backed by strong performances in initial testing and an opening win in Qatar. However, he has since slipped behind his teammate in the title race.
- Lando Norris (+400): Norris has seen a massive surge in market confidence. After his impressive showing in Miami—where he was arguably only a strategic misstep away from beating Antonelli—his odds improved drastically from +2500 to +400.
Constructors' Championship Outlook
In the team standings, Mercedes continues to hold a dominant position, though the competitive landscape remains fluid. McLaren and Ferrari are currently positioned as the primary challengers, both aiming to disrupt the Silver Arrows' current run of success.
«Antonelli’s recent streak has fundamentally changed the outlook of the 2026 season, turning a projected tight battle into a showcase of his rising talent,» note industry analysts.