The F1 drivers facing serious trouble already in 2026
The 2026 Formula One season is looming, and several top drivers are already facing significant challenges. From team crises to high expectations not being met, and even existential career dilemmas, the competitive reality of F1 is a harsh one.
New rules and regulations bring both opportunities and obstacles, even for the most seasoned drivers. This article explores the struggles of some of F1's best drivers, highlighting the potential pitfalls they face in the upcoming season.
Fernando Alonso: A Career at a Crossroads
Fernando Alonso's F1 career is at a critical juncture. The possibility of his career ending on a sour note due to Honda's struggles is ironic, considering the same issue hindered him over a decade ago. After waiting two decades for an Adrian Newey-designed car, Alonso now faces uncertainty about his chances of finishing the first race in 2026.
The Honda package is compromised, lacking performance and reliability. Alonso's grand ambitions for the project are now in jeopardy, and there's a real risk that his faith in the project will be eroded by Honda's struggles. This could be a bitter twist, given the painful reunion with McLaren in 2015. Alonso's hopes for a silver lining later in the season or momentum into 2027 hang in the balance.
Lewis Hamilton: Adapting to Change
Lewis Hamilton, with the most at stake in F1 this year, is under contract for 2027 but needs to turn things around after a dire first year with Ferrari. The change in race engineers and the new cars present a challenging period for Hamilton.
While Hamilton initially appeared less comfortable than Charles Leclerc in the new cars, his confidence improved as the Bahrain test progressed. He described himself as more connected to the 2026 cars, having played a role in their development. The improved responsiveness and wider set-up windows offer promising signs that Hamilton will be able to get the car in a better window for corner entry.
With Ferrari in a competitive position, even if it's a step behind Mercedes, Hamilton should have a more competitive car than in 2025. However, the key challenge is whether he can dial into the car well enough to perform at his best and match or surpass Leclerc's performance.
Carlos Sainz: A Tough Start with Williams
Carlos Sainz's decision to join Williams last year might look different in 2026. Testing suggests that both Williams and Sauber (now Audi) will start the year ahead of Williams, which missed the first test and has an overweight car lacking poise on track.
Sainz acknowledges that Williams still has ground to make up on F1's top teams. The weight reduction project will take time, and there are signs that a high-rake design approach is causing setup issues. Sainz's integration with Williams has been positive, but the question remains whether the team has put itself on the back foot for 2026 and beyond.
Oscar Piastri: Adapting to New Challenges
Oscar Piastri, who narrowly missed the 2025 world championship, would have wanted an immediate opportunity to rectify that in 2026. However, McLaren appears set to begin the year on the back foot, with a deficit in understanding new energy management demands.
While it's too early to judge the car's overall performance, early signs suggest Piastri may not start the season with a title-contending package. The new-generation cars, with reduced downforce, expose Piastri's weaknesses, and he didn't look as immediately comfortable as Lando Norris in testing.
Esteban Ocon: Struggles at Haas
Esteban Ocon joined Haas last year as an experienced hand but was upstaged by rookie team-mate Ollie Bearman. The team expected more from Ocon, but there were times when they couldn't provide the desired car balance.
Ocon struggled with braking characteristics and rear instability, unlike Bearman's Max Verstappen-esque handling. If Haas starts the season at the front of the midfield, Ocon will have the machinery to produce good results, but there are hints that Bearman might have the edge in terms of outright pace.
Max Verstappen: A Crossroads in F1
Max Verstappen, regardless of Red Bull's car and engine performance, is approaching a career crossroads in 2026. Red Bull's first-ever F1 engine, with respectable performance, reliability, and driveability, might not be enough.
If Red Bull is only the fourth-best package, Verstappen will be at the tail end of the lead group, fighting for podium scraps rather than victories. Verstappen's dislike for the new rules era, particularly the energy management requirements, further complicates matters.
The uncertainty about Verstappen's long-term future in F1 adds to the tension. His criticism of sprint races, the expanding calendar, and street circuits, coupled with the new rules, creates a clash between F1's current state and Verstappen's desires.
