5 things we learned from the first half of 2026

The 2026 F1 season's first half has provided several key narratives. Kimi Antonelli has stunned in his sophomore year with Mercedes, securing multiple wins and leading the championship despite facing immense pressure. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a resurgence with Ferrari, claiming his first win for the Scuderia and expressing newfound harmony and fitness after a difficult 2025. Development has become the defining factor of the season, with the competitive order shifting constantly due to aggressive upgrade strategies. Teams like Racing Bulls have capitalized on these gains, while others such as Haas and Alpine have struggled to keep pace. Williams and Aston Martin have faced a particularly challenging start, both teams falling behind expectations but eyeing recovery packages later in the year. Finally, the grid's expansion to 22 cars with the arrival of Cadillac has been a success. Despite being a new entrant, the American squad has integrated well, showing reliable performance and competitive pace in the midfield. With the summer break behind them, all teams are now preparing for a decisive second half of the championship.