Formula 1: Five things we've learned from first half of 2026 season
The 2026 Formula 1 season has reached its halfway point, marked by the emergence of Kimi Antonelli as a dominant force over teammate George Russell. Teams are currently on a summer break while navigating rule controversies and calendar disruptions.
Why it matters
Formula 1 is a major global sport, and shifts in driver performance and team reliability significantly impact the competitive landscape of the championship.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Kimi Antonelli is 50 points clear in the drivers' standings at the halfway point
F1 Correspondent Published 29 July 2026, 08:29 BST Formula 1 teams head off on their summer break this week after a hectic 11 races to start a new era of the sport.
F1 2026 has been full of storylines - controversy over new rules, a new star emerging, the rebirth of an old one, and calendar disruption caused by a war.
Even now, as they head off on holiday for a couple of weeks, the teams still don't know how many races are left this season.
But those so far have revealed plenty. Here are five things we have learned so far in F1 2026.
Figure caption, Title race would be 'done and dusted' without Mercedes reliability issues
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