The best drives of the 2026 F1 season so far, according to our writers
A new technical era has shaken up the order in 2026, but these drives show that an engineering advantage isn’t everything in F1
Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his skill at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, despite a challenging start. He was over a second off the pace in both practice sessions and missed the entirety of FP3, but managed to find his groove in qualifying. With a precise feel for modulating brake input, Hamilton executed a perfect three-stop strategy, ultimately securing a victory. This displayed that a great driver can still make a difference in F1 2026, even when faced with the complexities of new regulations.
Kimi Antonelli's performance at the Monaco Grand Prix showcased his ability to cope with pressure and proved his championship credentials. He stunned the field by qualifying ahead of Max Verstappen and Red Bull teammate Charles Leclerc. During the race, Antonelli remained impervious to pressure, driving around Verstappen at a significant lead. His fastest lap of the race was 1.2 seconds quicker than anyone else, solidifying his impressive performance.
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