Which F1 Drivers Are Under the Most Pressure to Succeed in '26?

The 2025 Formula 1 season will go down in history as one of the most thrilling of all time. McLaren’s “Papaya Rules” inspired Civil War very nearly cost them the driver’s title to the rampant Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman slashing a 100-plus points deficit down to just two, but ultimately falling short. In the end, it was Lando Norris who secured the third place he required to seal his maiden crown, and online betting sites expect him to contend in 2026 as well.

Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren talk in the Drivers Press Conference during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 07, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

The popular Bovada website currently lists Norris as an 11/4 second favorite to defend the gold, narrowly behind 5/2 frontrunner Verstappen. But while those two are currently untouchable with both their McLaren and Red Bull teams, several other drivers find themselves heading into the offseason with the weight of the world on their shoulders. Here are the three men who currently have the biggest questions to answer.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari 12 months ago was supposed to put the final ribbon on the greatest career in Formula One history. With seven world titles already under the British veteran’s belt, a record-breaking eighth – taking him one clear of Michael

Schumacher in Schumi’s famed Scuderia, no less – was the target. But Hamilton wouldn’t even get close.

Throughout the course of the 2025 season, Hamilton was consistently outperformed and simply outclassed by teammate Charles Leclerc, finishing well behind him in the standings, as well as being thumped 21-3 in qualifying. Highlights were scarce, with a Sprint win in China the sole bright spot, but no Grand Prix podiums for the first time in his 19-year F1 tenure has questions looming over the 40-year-old’s immediate future.

Third placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sprint winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari congratulate each other in parc ferme during the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 22, 2025 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Hamilton himself labelled 2025 as his “worst season ever,” citing persistent issues despite exhaustive efforts. Heading into 2026, still with Ferrari, immense pressure mounts on the soon-to-be-41-year-old legend to rediscover form and justify his high-profile move. Failure to do that could see his position at Maranello challenged, especially with the continued emergence of drivers such as young Oliver Bearman.

An eighth world title now looks to be too big an ask, especially with a Ferrari team that hasn’t won a world championship in 19 years. But even so, beginning the season with a podium or two at the very least appears to be the bare minimum.

Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli’s rookie 2025 season at Mercedes showcased flashes of brilliance from the teenage prodigy. The young Italian made history by becoming the youngest pole-sitter in history when he qualified in first place for the Miami Sprint race. He has also set records for the youngest lap leader and fastest lap setter in F1. Starting alongside seasoned George Russell, Antonelli impressed with podiums in Canada and São Paulo, plus strong defences against champions like Max Verstappen.

However, he was definitely outperformed overall by Russell, who secured two wins and finished with over twice as many points as his understudy teammate, highlighting the fact that the teenage star could have performed better, even if he did manage a couple of podium finishes. Early stumbles and adaptation challenges marked a classic teething year. Now, with that debut behind him, 2026 brings heightened expectations—no more excuses as a newcomer. In a reset grid with new setups, Antonelli must close the gap to Russell and deliver consistently to affirm Mercedes’ bold faith in youth.

Underperforming risks stalling his meteoric rise and inviting scrutiny over his readiness for top-level contention. Victories and pushing Mercedes into the battle for the constructors’ championship is now the task at hand.

Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri was the dominant force in the title challenge for three quarters of the 2025 season. He won seven of the opening 15 races of the campaign, pulling out a 30-plus point lead on eventual champion and teammate Norris, as well as a 100-plus point advantage over Verstappen. He somehow conspired to finish behind both of them in the final standings.

His first and only retirement of the season in Azerbaijan stopped his momentum in its tracks. Throughout the final eight races of the campaign, he wouldn’t win a single race, only managing two podiums, despite finishing in the top three in all but two of the races pre-Baku. That saw his points advantage ultimately evaporate, with the title heading across the McLaren garage to teammate turned rival Norris.

Despite the late fade, the young Aussie’s seven wins underscored his undeniable talent. He is by no means under any pressure from McLaren regarding being replaced, but the pressure is indeed on in other ways. Piastri has to prove that he can take the fight to both Norris and Verstappen again, and this time see the job through, as opposed to crumbling late on.

Is he the Mark Webber to former champion Sebastian Vettel, forever the bridesmaid and never the bride? Or will he be like Nico Rosberg in his battle against Lewis Hamilton, ultimately claiming the title after two years of being overshadowed? We’re about to find out.