Formula 1 2026: The surprises, talking points and battles shaping the season

Formula 1's 2026 season has reached its midpoint, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort marking the start of the second half. Lewis Hamilton, in his second season with Ferrari, claimed his first win for the team at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June, and currently sits second in the championship standings, 50 points behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli. The 2026 season introduced a new generation of cars with updated rules and regulations, creating significant uncertainty heading into the year.