The 2026 F1 season has already produced some incredible action, surprise results and drama in only two races.
With the new regulations shaking up the grid and old rivalries emerging, here are Rant Sport writer Tyler Cooke’s five standout moments that have defined the season so far.
Kimi Antonelli announces himself with maiden F1 win in China
Young Italian Kimi Antonelli produced a sensational drive at the Chinese Grand Prix to claim his first-ever F1 victory.
The young Mercedes driver showed composure, controlling the race under pressure and making himself a genuine star for the future.
It was a defining moment, not just for Antonelli, but for the new era of Formula 1.
After the race Kimi took to social media to share how he was feeling following his maiden win.
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“The best day of my life. Winning my first Grand Prix is realizing one of the few dreams I had ever since I put my hands on a steering wheel.
“This is just the beginning.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one that has been supporting me on the journey: my team, my family, and you guys at home.
“It means the world to me, and it’s the strongest fuel to go after what’s next. See you back on track very soon.”
Hamilton’s first Ferrari podium
It wasn’t just Kimi Antonelli that was taking the headlines after the Chinese Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton managed to get his first Ferrari podium after he finished P3 in the race.
Hamilton struggled in his first year at Ferrari with P4 being his best result of the season, and with this being Hamilton’s first season without getting a single podium finish, it looked like the move to Ferrari just wasn’t going to work for the seven-time world champion.
But with new regulation and a fresh start, Lewis Hamilton managed to get his first podium for Ferrari in just two races, showing that the true Hamilton is back, and that the move to Ferrari may have been the right idea.
Old rivalry returns
The rivalry between Mercedes and Ferrari is firmly back at the heart of Formula One in 2026, with both teams emerging as early frontrunners under the new regulations.
With both teams now regularly battling at the front once again, a historic rivalry that defined past eras of the sport is quickly becoming the deafening storyline of the current season.
Both teams and driver know they have a fight on their hands with Lewis Hamilton telling Sky Sports: “We are right in the fight.”
Bearman’s brilliant start
Oliver Bearman has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026 Formula One season, quickly establishing himself as one of the standout young drivers on the grid.
The British driver opened the campaign with a strong points finish in Australia before backing it up with an excellent fifth-place result in China.
Speaking to Formula One on his early form, Bearman described it as “a good start to the year,” highlighting the progress made by HAAS and his growing confidence in the car.
Hamilton v Leclerc
At the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc delivered one of the most compelling intra‑team battles of the season as they fought wheel‑to‑wheel for a podium position in Shanghai.
The duo swapped positions and traded overtakes during the race, with Hamilton ultimately getting the upper hand to secure third place, while Leclerc finished just behind in fourth, and both drivers later reflected positively on the intense but fair contest.
After the race Hamilton told Sky Sports: “One of the most enjoyable races I’ve had.”
Showing that Hamilton is enjoying his start to the 2026 season.
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