A third of the F1 2026 season is already behind us and the first power lines have been drawn. However, these may change unexpectedly ahead of the British, Hungarian and Belgian GPs, as the teams are busy with rapid development work behind the scenes.
Below, we take a look at the 2026 season so far, team updates, summer GP favorites and the best betting options for F1 stages at OlyBet.
F1 2026 season: The rise of Kimi Antonelli
This year’s F1 season began with Mercedes dominating. George Russell won the season-opening race in Australia, followed by his young teammate Kimi Antonelli.
However, in the following stages, it was the 19-year-old Italian who took the victory trophy. Antonelli triumphed in China, Japan, Miami, Canada and Monaco, setting several records in the process.
For example, Antonelli is now the youngest driver in F1 history to lead a GP, the youngest driver to win a GP, the youngest overall leader of the World Championship and the youngest to achieve a Grand Slam (qualifying victory, GP victory and fastest lap time).
F1 2026 season: Antonelli’s main rivals
Kimi Antonelli now has 171 points after eight rounds, making him the definite overall leader of the World Championship. But the young Italian also has his share of rivals, both within his own team and, of course, outside.
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ended a 410-day win drought in mid-June when he triumphed at the Barcelona GP. With 125 points, he holds 3rd place in the World Championship, which proves that the old champion is not to be written off this year.
George Russell (Mercedes)
George Russell had to wait a while after his triumph at the opening round of the season, but at the recent Austrian GP he climbed to the top step of the podium again. He also moved up to second place in the overall standings of the World Championship, with 131 points.
Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
The inclusion of reigning world champion Max Verstappen on this list may seem strange at first glance – the Dutchman has not yet experienced the joy of victory this season. Verstappen has only two podium finishes to show for it, but the second of them came in Austria, where he was driving a significantly upgraded Red Bull.
F1 2026 season: technical race before the summer
Although with one third of the season behind us, the first power lines have already been outlined, this does not mean that they will remain that way. Namely, teams are constantly engaged in rapid development work, and several teams will come up with innovations before and during the summer GPs.
Most important innovations made before the Austrian GP:
- McLaren introduced a new experimental rear wing at the Austrian GP (similar to Ferrari’s so-called “Macarena” wing)
- Mercedes introduced an ERS (energy recovery system) update at the Austrian GP to improve the reliability of the machines
- Ferrari introduced a new engine package and fuel update at the Austrian GP
- Red Bull essentially rebuilt the aerodynamics of the entire car for the Austrian GP – Max Verstappen’s 2nd place would be worth it
Considering that various innovations are also expected before the next rounds, the power ratios may change extremely quickly in the coming weeks – information that is especially important for bettors.
British GP 2026: Favorites and Prediction
The Silverstone track is extremely fast and technical, where aerodynamics and machine stability come into play. So it is worth looking at the following drivers there:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Betting idea: Driver Wins and Finishes in Top 3 markets – especially valuable before qualifying.
Hungarian GP 2026: Favorites and Prediction
The Hungaroring is a slow and technical track, where overtaking is rather rare. Thus, the result there is often determined by qualifying, where the so-called one-fast lap machines have an advantage. Therefore, it is worth looking more at the following drivers in Hungary:
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Betting idea: Qualifying winner and head-to-head markets.
Belgian GP 2026: favorites and prediction
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is unpredictable – as it is a long track where you drive at high speeds, the weather also plays a big role, which can be extremely changeable in Belgium. So it’s worth looking at the following stable drivers:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Betting idea: Finishes in the Top 3 markets and specials – Spa always offers opportunities for outsiders.
F1 2026: best betting places
There are several different markets available for F1 at OlyBet:
- Race winner
- Qualifying winner / Free Practice winner
- Finishes in the Top 3 / Top 6
- Head-to-head duels
- Fastest lap and specials
- Season specials – Drivers Championship 2026 / Constructors Championship 2026
When betting on F1, it is definitely worth being aware of the so-called smaller markets, because that is where you can find more value than just betting on the GP winner.
See all betting options and offers found at OlyBet.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the favorites for the F1 2026 summer GPs?
Ahead of the summer GPs, it is worth looking primarily at Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), George Russell (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull).
What are the best F1 bets?
The race winner, qualifying winner and head-to-head markets offer the most value during F1 races.
How to bet on F1 racing?
Follow qualifying, track profile and of course the weather – these have the biggest impact on the outcome.
How to bet responsibly on F1 2026
- Bet responsibly. 18+
- Don’t bet on emotions
- Stick to your budget
- Don’t try to make up for losses with subsequent bets
- Every GP is different! Remember this and base your analysis on it
- Enjoy the race, because that’s what matters most
- Use our sports betting app to conveniently keep an eye on your bets.
F1 GPs are ideal for enjoying sports betting – lots of stages, lots of markets, crazy overtaking and endless moments to talk about.
Good strategy, thorough analysis and responsible gaming make every stage enjoyable.
Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on OlyBet’s sports betting section, where there are special offers during the F1 season that you won’t want to miss.
