Verstappen's Dominance Highlighted in Rankings, 2026 Driver Numbers Confirmed

The 2026 Formula 1 driver numbers have been officially confirmed, while a unique performance ranking reveals the true scale of Max Verstappen's dominance, placing him near the bottom of the standings. In other news, Verstappen has publicly criticized Red Bull's decision regarding Liam Lawson and expressed sympathy for Lewis Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari.

Why it matters:

The confirmation of driver numbers for the 2026 season offers a glimpse into the future grid's identity, a detail fans and teams closely follow. Meanwhile, the paradoxical ranking that places the reigning world champion low highlights a critical narrative of the current era: Verstappen's success is so overwhelming that it skews traditional performance metrics, underscoring the challenge for his rivals.

The details:

• The full list of 2026 F1 driver numbers is now set, featuring the permanent numbers of champions like Max Verstappen (#1), Lewis Hamilton (#44), and Fernando Alonso (#14).
• A critical performance analysis, which factors in car competitiveness, ranked McLaren's Oscar Piastri at the top. Verstappen's placement near the bottom is a statistical artifact of his car's dominance; his performances are judged against the near-perfect benchmark of his own machinery.
• Verstappen's Red Bull Critique: The Dutch driver voiced strong opposition to Red Bull's decision to drop reserve driver Liam Lawson after just two race appearances, stating it "kills his chance" to prove himself.
• Ricciardo's Racing Itch: Daniel Ricciardo has expressed an openness to return to racing outside of F1, describing an unusual "itch" to compete in other series, potentially during the F1 off-season.
• Verstappen on Hamilton: Verstappen admitted it "hurts" to see Lewis Hamilton struggle during his first season with Ferrari, acknowledging the seven-time champion's difficult transition.

The big picture:

These stories collectively paint a picture of a sport in transition. While the future grid is taking shape with confirmed numbers, the present is dominated by Verstappen's excellence, which is so pronounced it creates statistical anomalies. Off-track, driver movements and career frustrations, as seen with Lawson and Ricciardo, alongside veteran struggles like Hamilton's, remind us that the human and competitive elements remain as compelling as ever in the technical world of F1.