The 2026 world championship is just around the corner
After the winter tests, Formula 1 is expected on track this weekend in Melbourne, Australia, for the first race after the regulatory revolution. There are many unknowns and there is great curiosity to understand the pecking order between the four teams, which seem to be ahead of everyone, namely the defending champion McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari. Paddock whispers indicate Mercedes as the number one candidate for pole position in Melbourne, but nothing is set in stone.
Ecclestone hypes up Hamilton
In an interview given to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Bernie Ecclestone is convinced that Lewis Hamilton can win the eighth world title of his sensational career: “Certainly, the new Formula 1 suits Hamilton more than Verstappen. I believe Lewis has analyzed in depth the reasons why things haven’t worked at Ferrari so far and will draw the right conclusions.”
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But on the hierarchy between the teams ahead of Australia, Ecclestone prefers to be cautious: “At the moment, making predictions is difficult. From what I understand, however, Ferrari is quite satisfied with its current car. It seems that this year things will go better for Ferrari. Also because it can’t go any worse than this…”, the 95-year-old Briton concluded in his usual style.
Read more Gambles and predictions by the FormulaPassion.it editorial staff on the 2026 F1 World Championship
