F1 2026 vs 2025 Standings: Antonelli Soars, Norris Crashes Down

The 2026 season has truly redrawn the Formula 1 landscape. The new technical regulations introduced this year have not only overhauled car performance but also shuffled the drivers' standings. Compared to the same point last season, some names have risen dramatically, while others have lost their footing.

The biggest story comes from Kimi Antonelli. The Italian finished seventh in 2025 with 150 points as a rookie. Now, after the Hungarian Grand Prix, he leads the 2026 championship with 219 points. Mercedes mastery of the new hybrid rules has turned the young star into a title favorite at the halfway point.

Lewis Hamilton has also surged, moving from sixth in 2025 to inside the top three. Meanwhile, George Russell continues to cement himself as a genuine title contender. Together, they have made the Brackley-based team a dominant force again.

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On the other side, the decline of 2025's frontrunners is stark. Lando Norris, last year's world champion, now finds himself in fifth place with 128 points. Max Verstappen, the 2025 runner-up, has slipped to sixth. Oscar Piastri, who finished third last season, has fallen out of the top five. The regulation changes have clearly had a major impact on the team hierarchy.

This comparison shows just how competitive the 2026 season is. With the second half still long, can Norris, Verstappen, or Piastri fight back? Or will Antonelli stay strong at the top? We'll have to wait and see.