HINCHCLIFFE: My top five drivers of the 2026 season so far

(opens in a new tab)Sign InSubscribeF1ScheduleResultsStandingsDriversTeamsF1 UnlockedOpen menuFIA if(window.f1MobileDetection.iOSSafari) { var meta = document.createElement("meta"); meta.name = "apple-itunes-app"; meta.content = "app-id=835022598, app-argument=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hinchcliffe-my-top-five-drivers-of-the-2026-f1-season-so-far.qbT3WSfZ9Kqfa4V2DeHPp.qbT3WSfZ9Kqfa4V2DeHPp"; document.head.appendChild(meta); } {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hinchcliffe-my-top-five-drivers-of-the-2026-f1-season-so-far.qbT3WSfZ9Kqfa4V2DeHPp","url":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hinchcliffe-my-top-five-drivers-of-the-2026-f1-season-so-far.qbT3WSfZ9Kqfa4V2DeHPp","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hinchcliffe-my-top-five-drivers-of-the-2026-f1-season-so-far.qbT3WSfZ9Kqfa4V2DeHPp","datePublished":"2026-08-07T13:44:45.811Z","dateModified":"2026-08-07T13:44:45.811Z","headline":"James Hinchcliffe picks his top five drivers of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far","author":"F1","description":"IndyCar Race Winner and Analyst James Hinchcliffe picks out his top five drivers from the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://media.formula1.com/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/v1786099979/fom-website/2026/Miscellaneous/ADHOC%20unlocked%20template%20single%20image%20%20(9).png"},"isAccessibleForFree":"false","publisher":{"@type":"SportsOrganization","@id":"https://www.formula1.com#organization","name":"Formula 1","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.formula1.com/etc/designs/fom-website/social/f1-default-share.jpg","width":"480","height":"120"}}}HINCHCLIFFE: My top five drivers of the 2026 F1 season so farHinchcliffeF1 UnlockedLando NorrisShow more tagsIndyCar Race Winner and AnalystJames HinchcliffeIn F1, as is so often said, a driver can only truly be judged against his team mate, and even then there are caveats. Looking at the results of the season so far has given a clearer indication of who is really flourishing with these new regulations. While the Lewis Hamilton rebirth has been phenomenal to watch, the head-to-head with Charles Leclerc on points, podiums and wins has the two very close, and both are performing at a high level without one planting their flag as a clear team leader. In keeping with the ‘weighting against your team mate’ in mind, let’s take a look at some of my stand out performers from behind the wheel so far in 2026. Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free. Membership gets you closer with: Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences Member benefits, rewards and offers ExclusiveLawson examines factors behind his impressive 2026 so farOUR PARTNERSView allDownload the Official F1 AppYour ultimate companion into
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