Carlos Sainz is already making an initial prediction for the 2026 season. The Spaniard was asked ahead of the first Grand Prix of the year in Melbourne which of his fellow drivers has the best chance of winning the world title in 2026. Based on his findings during the test days in Bahrain, the Spaniard is already taking a gamble: ‘George Russell or Max Verstappen’.
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Formula 1 begins the first race of the season in Melbourne this weekend. Even after the test days in Barcelona and Bahrain, it remains unclear which of the teams will be the favorite during the upcoming season. Due to the brand-new 2026 regulations and suspected ‘sandbagging’ during the test weeks, the pecking order remains a matter of guesswork. However, Carlos Sainz dares to take a small gamble.
Sainz was asked in the Beyond the Grid podcast which of the drivers can win the championship this year. “I’ll give you two names, okay?” the Spaniard asked. “George Russell or Max Verstappen.” The Williams driver was then asked if he could explain his choice. “No, you can’t ask that,” Sainz joked, only adding: “This is based on what I saw during three days of testing in Bahrain.”
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Williams
The Williams driver is on the eve of his second season with the British team. Williams had its best season in years in 2025 – partly thanks to the arrival of Sainz – and even finished in fifth place in the constructors’ championship. For the Spaniard, the goal for 2026 is clear: “Progression. No matter in which area, we must continue to make progress everywhere. I’m not going to look at the results too much, because if there is one year in which it is difficult to achieve results and judge where everyone stands, it is this year.” Sainz hopes to be able to fight for the championship with Williams in ‘three or four years’ time’.”
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