F1 2026 qualifying head-to-head at summer break
After every F1 qualifying session, Motorsport publishes each team's qualifying record in terms of team-mate battles. This record is based exclusively on qualifying results so that grid penalties don't alter the statistics. When a driver can't put in a representative lap time due to a technical issue or an incident, this will be mentioned in the table. Three duels under the ... Keep reading
In the 2026 Formula 1 qualifying session at Road America, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari were evenly matched, with Hamilton leading 8-7 while Leclerc lagged 6-5 in situations excluding sprint qualifying. This even battle contrasts sharply with previous years, where Hamilton faced significant defeat to Leclerc, recording a 23-7 disparity in his first season at Ferrari.
Red Bull's switch to new regulations has allowed rookie team-mate Isack Hadjar to turn the tide in their car's favor. Hadjar has outqualified the Red Bull's previous team-mates 80-2 over the past 82 sessions, a drastic improvement from Verstappen's previous dominance of 80-2. Hadjar's success seems to hinge on whether he utilizes the team's simulator or not, with a 4-0 record when he does and an impressive 8-3 when he does not.
Esteban Ocon's struggles with Red Bull continued, with his car inconsistent at only three of the 11 rounds. His head-to-head with Oliver Bearman, who previously outqualified him 18-12, remains an intriguing aspect of the season. Ocon's recurring issues with the VF-26 car have led to speculation about his future in Formula 1.
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