RacingNews365 fans tip Verstappen for 2026 F1 runner-up spot

Max Verstappen was the clear choice among RacingNews365 fans to finish second in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ championship, taking 60.5% of the vote in a poll asking who would place behind Kimi Antonelli. RacingNews365 described Antonelli as the apparent champion-in-waiting.

Lewis Hamilton received 21.2% of the vote, while George Russell drew just under 12%. Charles Leclerc had just over 6%, and reigning champion Lando Norris received one vote.

Verstappen had finished on the podium in seven of the previous eight grands prix and won the two most recent, in Malaysia and Singapore. At that point, Russell led Hamilton by nine points and Verstappen by 17; Leclerc and Norris were 23 and 37 points behind Russell, respectively.