F1 fans have made an early prediction for who they think will win the 2026 championship

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A brand new era of Formula 1 begins in just a few weeks, but already, fans are trying to predict who is going to be the sport’s next champion.

The 2025 Formula 1 season went down to the wire, with three drivers in contention heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lando Norris came out on top even though Max Verstappen won his sixth race in the last nine Grand Prix to almost complete one of F1’s greatest comebacks.

Will George Russell win the 2026 F1 drivers’ title?

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The standings have now been reset, and 22 drivers are hoping to achieve the ultimate glory of becoming a Formula 1 champion.

Audi have set an internal target for winning a championship, and there are likely to be several other teams that are looking beyond 2026 to achieve that level of glory.

Even though nobody has seen a 2026 car on track yet, plenty of fans have already given their view of who they think will be top of the leaderboard when the chequered flag flies at the Yas Marina circuit on December 6.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Formula 1 fans name Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri as potential 2026 champions

The official Formula 1 X account asked fans who they believed would add their names to the sport’s ‘history books’ and become champion in 2026.

A reply suggesting Fernando Alonso would win his third title received the most positive replies, suggesting fans have faith in the two-time world champion and his new team principal.

‘Hamilton will make a comeback,’ read one comment, while another said, ‘Lando Norris again. I think that’s the end of Verstappen dominance.’

‘Honestly, I hope Lando does it again!’ suggested another fan, and one response stated, ‘I think Max or Oscar for 2026. I can’t see Ferrari being overly competitive. Russell will be there or thereabouts. I’m not sure about Lando.’

‘Low key, it needs to be Lando or George!’ read another message, and while Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and George Russell’s names all appeared very frequently, there were also mentions for Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Alonso throughout.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri’s life outside F1 from height to girlfriend

Why George Russell might already be the favourite to be the 2026 Formula 1 world champion

Fans will have to wait until the Australian Grand Prix to see which team has developed the best car for the new ruleset.

However, there are already signs and rumours emerging that suggest which teams might have an upper hand going into 2026.

Based on previous regulation changes, Mercedes typically do a very good job when required to develop a new engine.

Mercedes are expected to have the best power unit next season, giving themselves and their three customer teams a small advantage.

On top of that, Mercedes and Red Bull might have found a loophole, which, if allowed by the FIA, could put half the grid on the back foot immediately.

Ferrari are already planning to protest the loophole, but if that’s unsuccessful, then Mercedes might end up being the team to beat.

If that’s the case, then George Russell will back himself in a head-to-head battle with teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

He was superb last season despite Mercedes not having the most competitive car, but many are expecting the British driver to challenge for his first title in 2026.