Mercedes' constructors' dominance under threat as Ferrari and McLaren close in

Mercedes leads the 2026 Formula 1 constructors' championship after a commanding start to the season, but their early dominance is increasingly under threat from a charging Ferrari and McLaren.

Why it matters:

The new regulations reset the competitive order, and Mercedes seized the opportunity to build a formidable early lead. Ferrari's back-to-back wins in Barcelona and Silverstone, combined with McLaren's Hungary triumph, have rapidly eroded the gap at the top. The constructors' title once looked like a Mercedes procession, but it now risks becoming a genuine three-way fight if the Brackley squad cannot unlock further gains from its package.

The details:

• Mercedes' early run: The Silver Arrows have won eight of the opening eleven races. Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli has claimed six victories, while George Russell has contributed two, including the season opener in Melbourne.
• Ferrari's breakthrough: Lewis Hamilton won in Barcelona before Charles Leclerc triumphed at Silverstone, signaling genuine progress for the Scuderia.
• McLaren's charge: Lando Norris handed the papaya team their first win of the year in Hungary, confirming McLaren's return to the front of the field.
• Fragile advantage: The points buffer Mercedes built has narrowed considerably, suggesting rivals have adapted more effectively to the new rules while the leaders may have hit a plateau.

What's next:

The second half will be defined by the development race unfolding behind the scenes. Mercedes faces mounting pressure to prove its concept still has untapped potential, while Ferrari and McLaren arrive at upcoming rounds believing they can overturn the deficit. The battle for the constructors' crown now looks set to stretch deep into the final races.