Who will be Formula 1 world champion?

• Johannes Mittermeier: George Russell/Mercedes

I hate to say it because we’ve had more than enough Mercedes dominance over the past decade, but: I’m sure that the Silver Arrows are (clearly) superior. In Australia qualifying, Mercedes was worlds ahead of their pursuers. After a few years of slack, at least by the standards of the Swabian-British connection, number one driver George Russell now has the best prospects for the title. Russell is now 28, so he is no longer an apprentice. He will take advantage of his first World Cup opportunity straight away.

• Dominik Rosing: Charles Leclerc/Ferrari

Ferrari, that is Formula 1. But despite all the prestige and all the reverence for the legendary red, the last world title was almost 19 years ago. In two decades, the proud Scuderia from Maranello degenerated into an accessory. That should change. But it’s not Lewis Hamilton, who would finally replace Michael Schumacher in the all-time best list with another title, who redeems the unfortunately tried and tested Tifosi. Charles Leclerc drives the horse to the title. The Monegasque is ready to bring the Schumi shine back to Ferrari.

• Johanna Stiewe: Max Verstappen/Red Bull

No matter how much the competition improves, there is no way around Max Verstappen. He is the best driver in the field, the “Verstappen factor” undermines every law of aerodynamics. The four-time world champion proved in 2025 that he can drive even a clearly inferior car to the podium – and almost to the title! Verstappen has an irrepressible will to win and the ability to push beyond the limits of the car. He finds gaps where there are none and irons out any Red Bull weaknesses in an ice-cold manner. Talent beats technique, and Verstappen beats them all in the end. His departure in Australia qualifying doesn’t change that.

Who or what will be the biggest surprise?

• Dominik Rosing: World champion McLaren crashes

Once Ferrari, once Mercedes, once Red Bull – but no McLaren driver is one of our World Cup favorites? World champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri dominated the preseason with their papaya speedsters. But the tests and impressions from Australia have shown: McLaren was overtaken by Mercedes and Ferrari. After a year of dominance, Norris and Piastri become the chasers again. A brutal hangover after the World Cup party.

• Johanna Stiewe: Audi regularly finishes in the points

Let’s forget the first “apprenticeship year”, because Audi will impress in 2026. Despite all the skepticism about the lack of engine expertise, Melbourne showed that the four rings are immediately competitive. With Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, there is also a duo in the cockpit who have proven in 2025 that they get the most out of the car. Anyone who thought that Audi, as a newcomer, was just following behind, was wrong. Regular points are not a pipe dream, but a reality. The Ingolstadt team is shaking up the field!

• Johannes Mittermeier: After three races the outcry has subsided

What hasn’t been said, even complained about, about the rule revolt in 2026. Energy management is already the bad word of the Formula 1 vintage, some really famous terms are circulating: boost mode, lift and coast, super clipping, straight mode, recuperation. Startled, the commentators discussed whether the vain Formula 1 drivers would soon look like amateurs when they had to take their foot off the accelerator in the middle of the straight (see energy management). I suspect that after three races the outcry has subsided. 22 cars compete and in the end the fastest one wins.

What is your strongest thesis?

• Johanna Stiewe: The Germany race is coming back

Germany can finally look forward to a Grand Prix at home again! Even if this sounds like a motorsport dream concert, it cannot be completely ruled out. In the Middle East, the engines could fall silent in April because of the political situation – and who better to step in than Germany? The track in Hockenheim is ready, Audi is bringing new power to the market. Before Formula 1 voluntarily gives up millions, the “emergency nail” quickly becomes the saving grace of the season. Dreaming is allowed – and who knows, maybe we’ll stay right there next year.

• Johannes Mittermeier: Verstappen is beaten by his teammate

I hardly dare to type because for many (including me) Verstappen is the best driver of his generation; a pilot of the century, fast with anything that has four wheels, and in case of doubt probably with three. Nevertheless, I predict a turning point in 2026. The Dutchman is – to put it carefully – not a fan of these cars, while his new Red Bull colleague Isack Hadjar shone in his debut year. Somehow I see two trends running in opposite directions. And I therefore believe that Verstappen, tormented by mishaps such as the qualifying crash in Melbourne, will be defeated in an internal team duel for the first time.