Sports

Will a driver from outside the Red Bull or Mercedes teams win the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship in the 2026 season?

A sports prediction on whether the dominance of two major constructors will be broken following new regulation changes.

Yes 54%Maybe 7%No 39%

82 total votes

Analysis

F1 WDC Upset: Non-Red Bull/Mercedes Winner in 2026

Formula 1 is set for a massive regulation change in 2026, including entirely new power unit specifications and chassis rules. This prediction states that a driver from a team outside of the historically dominant Red Bull or Mercedes will win the World Drivers' Championship (WDC) in the 2026 season.

The Regulation Reset

The majority 'Yes' vote is based on the expectation of a significant 'reset' caused by the rule changes. Major regulation shifts almost always scramble the competitive order, giving teams like Ferrari, McLaren, or Aston Martin a chance to leapfrog the established frontrunners. Key factors include:

  • **Power Unit Development:** The new engine formula (focused on electric power) creates an entirely new competitive landscape.
  • **Design Interpretation:** One team (e.g., Ferrari or McLaren) will likely find a superior interpretation of the new aerodynamic rules.

The 2026 season is viewed as the best opportunity for a major upset in over a decade.

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