Eight drivers could become F1 world champion in 2026 as two wildcards stand out

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are in the driving seat to win the 2025 F1 world title, with the McLaren duo currently dominating their rivals on the track. But they could face increased rivalry next season when new regulations are introduced.

F1 and FIA chiefs revealed the details of their technical regulation changes last summer. Cars are set to become smaller and lighter, which will make them more agile. Tyres will be narrower, while chassis have been adapted to reduce downforce. Meanwhile, front and rear wings of cars have been revamped, and DRS will be replaced by manual override mode. The changes could switch up the order at Grands Prix next year. And Express Sport takes a look at eight drivers who will be eyeing glory when the 2026 campaign gets underway.

Oscar Piastri

Piastri's best chance of winning an F1 world title may come this season as he is currently nine points clear of team-mate Norris at the top of the standings.

But if he falters this season, he will target championship glory once again next time around, with a year of title-chasing experience under his belt.

Lando Norris

Norris is another driver who will benefit from his attempts to clinch silverware and could use the knowledge he has built over the last year to blow away his rivals after the changes.

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen will be hoping the regulation changes finally put him back in the mix for silverware. The Dutchman has won the last four world championships but is almost certainly out of the running to retain the title this year as he is already 97 points adrift of Piastri.

George Russell

George Russell has been billed as a future F1 champion ever since he secured a seat with Williams in 2019.

The Mercedes ace is yet to realise his huge potential amid his team's current struggles, but appears to have the temperament to finally achieve his dreams if the Silver Arrows can make the most of the new F1 landscape.

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is another man who may be waiting patiently for an F1 environment that suits the team he's driving for. Ferrari have fallen short in the current climate, but Hamilton could be primed to take advantage of future changes as he is one of the best drivers the sport has ever seen.

Charles Leclerc

Hamilton's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc is another driver who has long been tipped to achieve championship success.

He hasn't yet been able to prove he has the credentials to get the better of all his rivals over a full season, but there will surely be a time when Ferrari deliver the best car on the track once again.

Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso could be a wildcard option to land the 2026 world title if he's driving the right car. The Spaniard won back-to-back world titles in 2005 and 2006 and clearly has the ability to succeed in the sport. If Aston Martin can mix it with the best after the regulation changes, Alonso has the experience to compete for honours.

Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly is another wildcard who could be in the frame for championship glory if he's provided with the right tools for the job.

The Frenchman is generally considered to be an outstanding F1 driver and previously had a spell as Verstappen's team-mate at Red Bull in 2019. But with Alpine well adrift of the top teams at present, it would take a huge shift in the pecking order to give Gasly a shot at success.