The 2026 Formula 1 season is well underway, and we are currently witnessing one of the most exciting shifts in the sport’s recent history. As the grid enters a new technical era, the pecking order has been shaken up, leading to some of the most competitive racing we have seen in years. Whether you are a long-time fan of the sport or just tuning in for the latest race weekend, staying on top of the rapidly evolving standings and broadcast schedules is essential.
The 2026 Championship Battle
The headlines this season have been dominated by the spectacular form of Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian driver has been in sensational form, stringing together four consecutive victories to open up a significant lead at the top of the Driver Standings. His ability to handle the pressure of a title fight against his more experienced teammate, George Russell, has been the standout story of the opening rounds.
Meanwhile, the “Ferrari revolution” continues to evolve. Lewis Hamilton, now in his second season with the Scuderia, has shown signs of a major breakthrough. Following a standout performance in Canada, where he secured a second-place finish in a thrilling scrap against Max Verstappen, Hamilton has expressed his gratitude for the progress made by his engineering team. As the grid moves into the busy European leg of the calendar, Hamilton will be looking to bridge the gap to the front-runners and challenge for his first win in Ferrari red.
Current Driver Standings (Top 5)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): 131 points
- George Russell (Mercedes): 88 points
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 75 points
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): 72 points
- Lando Norris (McLaren): 58 points
How to Follow the Action in the UK
For UK viewers, the broadcast landscape for Formula 1 remains consistent for the 2026 season. Sky Sports F1 holds the rights to show every practice session, qualifying round, sprint, and Grand Prix live. However, free-to-air coverage remains a staple of the British F1 experience thanks to Channel 4.
If you are looking for highlights, Channel 4 continues to provide high-quality, extended coverage of every race weekend. These programmes are the perfect way to catch up on the action if you cannot watch the live broadcast. Additionally, Channel 4 retains the live rights to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, ensuring that the home race remains accessible to all fans.
“I’m not thinking about the championship. I’m just focusing on race by race. I need to keep levelling up and keep raising the bar, because it’s not going to be easy,” says championship leader Kimi Antonelli on his current mindset.
FAQ
What channel are the F1 highlights on in the UK?
You can watch free-to-air extended highlights of every race and qualifying session on Channel 4. These are typically broadcast in the hours following the live event.
What time does the race start?
Race start times vary depending on the location of the Grand Prix. While European races usually start at 14:00 BST, it is vital to check the Sky Sports F1 Schedule | [https://www.skysports.com/f1/schedule] for the most accurate, up-to-date timings for each specific weekend.
Is Lewis Hamilton still with Ferrari?
Yes, Lewis Hamilton is competing for Scuderia Ferrari for the 2026 season. After a difficult debut year with the team in 2025, he has made significant progress in 2026, recently achieving a podium finish in Canada.
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As the season progresses, the battle at the front of the grid is only expected to intensify. With Mercedes enjoying a strong technical advantage early on, the pressure is now on Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull to close the gap. Whether Antonelli can maintain his momentum or if the seasoned veterans can claw their way back into contention remains the biggest question of the year. Keep your eyes on the track—the 2026 season is just getting started.
