Hamilton rises and Norris falls in latest EA Sports F1 2026 driver ratings

EA Sports has rolled out a fresh set of driver ratings for its F1 2026 DLC, reshuffling the virtual grid to match early-season form. Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli headline the biggest winners, while reigning champion Lando Norris is among those taking a hit.

Why it matters:

These digital rankings offer a snapshot of how the 2026 campaign is reshaping paddock perceptions. While just a game metric, the adjustments reflect real on-track momentum and fuel debate over which drivers are maximizing their machinery.

The details:

• Hamilton's Ferrari boost: Following his maiden victory for the Scuderia, Hamilton has climbed to a 92 overall rating, tying him with Charles Leclerc and reaffirming his place among the elite tier.
• Antonelli's meteoric rise: Starting the DLC with a modest 83 rating that placed him below veterans like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, the Italian has jumped five points to 88. The update finally recognizes his stunning five wins in the opening seven rounds.
• Verstappen holds firm: Max Verstappen remains the game's highest-rated driver at 95, his early-season consistency keeping him comfortably above the chasing pack.
• Norris and company demoted: Lando Norris has dropped two points from his initial 94 rating. George Russell, Carlos Sainz, and Alex Albon have also been downgraded as the update punishes underwhelming starts relative to pre-season expectations.

What's next:

With plenty of racing left in 2026, these ratings will likely shift again before the season ends. Antonelli will be pushing for another bump if his dominant form continues, while Norris and Russell need strong results to recover their virtual stock. Expect further tweaks as the European summer swing unfolds.