F1 2026: Teammate Showdowns on the Grid
In Formula 1, beating your teammate is a badge of honor. As the 2026 season unfolds, here's how the driver pairings are faring against each other across the championship.
In Formula 1, the first rule is simple: beat your teammate. It's the only true yardstick when both drivers have the same machinery at their disposal. As the 2026 season unfolds, let's dive into the head-to-head stats of the current grid, ranked by the Constructors' Championship order from 2025.
McLaren Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been close rivals at McLaren. Norris, the reigning World Champion, currently leads in Grands Prix 8-7 and has dominated the Sprint races 6-0. With the overall score at 15-13 in favor of Norris, Piastri will be keen to close the gap if McLaren finds itself in another title fight.
Mercedes Kimi Antonelli, a rookie last season, has turned the tables on George Russell. In 2025, Russell had a commanding 26-4 lead, but in 2026, Antonelli is ahead 11-5 in Grands Prix and trails 2-4 in Sprints. Notably, Antonelli has already claimed two victories, becoming the youngest World Championship leader post-Japan.
Red Bull Max Verstappen remains a formidable force at Red Bull. His record against Isack Hadjar stands at 11-2 in Grands Prix and 4-0 in Sprints. When Liam Lawson stepped in for Hadjar, Verstappen maintained his dominance with a 2-1 and 2-0 lead in Grands Prix and Sprints, respectively. Hadjar, however, managed to score some victories, a testament to his growing potential.
Ferrari Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have a fascinating rivalry at Ferrari. In 2025, Leclerc handed Hamilton a significant defeat, but in 2026, Hamilton has reversed the trend, leading 9-7 in Grands Prix. Leclerc, however, holds a 4-2 advantage in Sprints. With a regulatory reset, Hamilton seems to have adapted better to the new conditions.
Williams At Williams, Carlos Sainz has taken the upper hand over Alex Albon, leading 10-6 in Grands Prix and 5-1 in Sprints. While Albon had the edge initially, Sainz's resurgence, marked by two podiums, has shifted the balance in his favor.
Racing Bulls Liam Lawson leads rookie Arvid Lindblad 9-4 in Grands Prix and 4-1 in Sprints at Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda, stepping in temporarily, trails Lindblad 1-2 in Grands Prix and 0-1 in Sprints. Lawson's experience has given him the upper hand, but Lindblad is proving to be a competitive newcomer.
Aston Martin Fernando Alonso continues to dominate over Lance Stroll at Aston Martin. Alonso leads 10-2 in Grands Prix and 4-2 in Sprints. Despite hinting at uncertainty about his future beyond 2026, Alonso remains a formidable competitor.
Haas Oliver Bearman leads Esteban Ocon 9-6 in Grands Prix, while they are tied 3-3 in Sprints. Bearman had a slight edge last year, and this season, he continues to hold the lead, though Ocon has closed the gap in race performances.
Audi Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg are neck and neck at Audi, with Bortoleto slightly ahead at 8-8 in Grands Prix and 3-2 in Sprints. As Bortoleto gains experience, he seeks to improve further, while Hulkenberg aims to lead the team in its debut season.
Alpine Pierre Gasly leads Franco Colapinto 9-6 in Grands Prix and 5-1 in Sprints. Colapinto, a newcomer in 2025, ended last year 11-7 behind Gasly. This season, he is gradually closing the gap, though Gasly's experience continues to give him the advantage.
Cadillac Sergio Perez leads Valtteri Bottas 10-4 in Grands Prix and 3-2 in Sprints at Cadillac. Despite their extensive experience, this is their first direct competition as teammates. The battle is close, but Perez has established a clear lead.
As the 2026 season progresses, these head-to-head stats will continue to evolve, providing a fascinating insight into the dynamics within each team.