The opening phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season has given a storyline only a few expected. Lewis Hamilton, in his second year with Ferrari, has come out as the ‘Mr consistent’. After just two races, he sits 4th in the Drivers’ Championship with 33 points. The runner-up Max Verstappen, on the other hand, has sufferred a difficult start. The Red Bull ace who missed the 2025 title just by two points currently stands 8th this sesaon with just 8 points. It’s not just about results either. Red Bull’s early struggles with the new F1 regulations, especially around power unit reliability, have left the Dutch fighting problems rather than leading races.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari appears to have refreshed him. A podium in China, defensive approach regarding the 2026 engine overhaul, and positive takeaways from the two races, already signals that this partnership with the Italian manufacturers could become a force as the season develops. Both Hamilton and Ferrari are aiming for the same thing: a championship. Hamilton wants a record-breaking eighth title, while Ferrari want to end their long wait since 2008.
Mister consistent – Lewis is the only driver to finish every racing lap of 2026 in the top five positions 👌#F1 pic.twitter.com/oxgN1HJN1Y
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 22, 2026
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s situation feels more unsettled. He has emerged as one of the strongest critics of the new regulations, with the frustration growing after each race. By the Chinese Grand Prix, he was openly dismissive, even describing the rules as a “joke”. From qualifying setbacks to race retirements, Vertsappen’s campaign lacked rhythm.
With Mercedes setting the early pace under the new rules, finishing 1-2 in both Australia and China, the fight behind them remains wide open. Right now, it’s Hamilton who is capitalising on the smallest mistake made by his former team, while Verstappen is left trying to recover ground in a season that’s only just begun. So far, Hamilton is the only driver to finish every racing lap of 2026 in the top five positions.
Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen F1 2026 Season Comparison So Far:
| Event | Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) | Max Verstappen (Red Bull) |
|---|---|---|
| Championship Position | 4th | 8th |
| Points | 33 | 8 |
| Best Finish | 3rd (China) | 6th (Australia) |
Race-by-Race Breakdown
Australian Grand Prix
| Session | Lewis Hamilton | Max Verstappen |
|---|---|---|
| FP1 | 2nd | 3rd |
| FP2 | 4th | 6th |
| FP3 | 2nd | 6th |
| Qualifying | 7th | No Time (Crash) |
| Grand Prix | 4th | 6th |
Hamilton showed strong pace throughout the weekend, consistently running near the front in practice and converting it into a solid P4 finish. Verstappen’s race was compromised early after a Q1 crash even before setting a lap time that forced him to start from the back. However, he made a great recovery coming from behind to finish 6th.
Chinese Grand Prix
| Session | Lewis Hamilton | Max Verstappen |
|---|---|---|
| FP1 | 5th | 7th |
| Sprint Qualifying | 4th | 8th |
| Sprint Race | 3rd | 9th |
| Qualifying | 5th | 8th |
| Grand Prix | 3rd | DNF |
China unvieled the growing gap in execution between the teams. Hamilton secured a sprint podium and followed it up with a full race podium, marking his first top-three finish for Ferrari. Verstappen, meanwhile, struggled for balance all weekend before retiring with a mechanical failure, capping off a frustrating weekend. It marked his first-ever pre-mature end at the Shanghai International Circuit in career.
