F1 2026 Mid-Season Driver Ratings: Antonelli Dominates Three World Champions

Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the clear standout of the 2026 Formula 1 season, dominating RacingNews365's mid-season driver ratings ahead of three world champions. The championship leader carries a 50-point buffer over Lewis Hamilton into the summer break, with six wins and an average of 8.8 across 11 races.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's commanding lead in the ratings reflects more than just points. It signals a generational shift at the sharp end, as the Italian has consistently outpaced champions Verstappen, Norris, and Hamilton. His error-free run, capped by a Monaco grand chelem, has reshaped the 2026 narrative.

The details:

• Antonelli's 8.8 average features a perfect 10 at Monaco, where he took a fifth straight win and grand chelem. He has never scored below 8.
• Max Verstappen is second at 8.0, with 9s in Austria and Hungary undermined by a 6.5 in Japan.
• Reigning champion Lando Norris is third at 7.8, narrowly missing a perfect 10 with a 9.5 in Hungary.
• Lewis Hamilton holds fourth on a tie-break at 7.4. His 10 from Barcelona edges out Racing Bulls pair Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, who share the same average.
• Ratings factor in qualifying gaps, race performance, errors, and Sprint results.

What's next:

The summer break offers a reset, but Antonelli's momentum in both standings and ratings is formidable. Verstappen's late-season surges and Norris's title defense mean the fight is far from over. Sustaining this level through the final rounds will determine if his supremacy becomes a maiden world title.