Ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Sky Sports F1’s Anthony Davidson names his top six driver pairings, listing teams as they finished in last year’s Constructors’ Championship.
McLaren – Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
This is one of the strongest line-ups on the grid. Norris and Piastri chased each other hard for the 2025 drivers’ title and are very evenly matched. Together they complemented the car and each other, helping McLaren secure the Constructors’ Championship early by extracting maximum performance. Davidson is excited to see what they can achieve this year.
Mercedes – George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
Antonelli was one of last season’s standout rookies: naturally gifted, hard-working and full of energy, he adapted well and brings positivity to the team. Russell provides stability, professionalism and undeniable speed, strong in qualifying and experienced in race management and tyre care. Davidson believes their pairing should deliver strong results in 2026.
Red Bull – Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
Verstappen remains, in Davidson’s view, the strongest driver on the grid, improving year on year despite occasional moments of frustration like Barcelona last season. Hadjar impressed as a rookie and his move to Red Bull will test how he handles pressure alongside Verstappen, given the intense spotlight and expectations at the team.
Ferrari – Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
On paper this looks like a very strong duo. Hamilton has struggled in recent seasons but the new car generation might suit his style better and offer a chance to bounce back. Leclerc remains a phenomenal, flamboyant qualifier and race driver. Davidson expects Ferrari to be a force again if the car proves manageable for both drivers.
Williams – Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Williams has transformed from a team reliant on pay drivers to a competitive outfit, and Sainz’s arrival has been widely welcomed. His professionalism and commitment have pushed Albon and the whole team to raise standards and ambition. Davidson highlights how a single high-quality signing can change a team’s momentum and believes the pairing has been a big positive for Williams.
Haas – Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon
Picking the sixth spot was tougher because of many strong pairings, but Davidson chose Haas. Ocon brings experience and can perform well under pressure, though he can struggle when the car isn’t to his liking. Bearman impressed in his rookie year despite some errors; his fourth place in Mexico turned heads. The two bounce off each other well, and Davidson hopes the car surprises people this season to unlock even better performances.
Australian GP schedule (Sky Sports F1 highlights)
Thursday March 5: Drivers’ Press Conference, Paddock Uncut, F3 and F2 practice sessions.
Friday March 6: Practice One and Practice Two sessions, F3 and F2 qualifying, Team Bosses press conference.
Saturday March 7: F3 Sprint, Practice Three, F2 Sprint, and Australian GP Qualifying.
Sunday March 8: F2 Feature Race, Australian Grand Prix build-up and the Australian Grand Prix race, followed by reaction and highlights.
Watch every race of the 2026 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.