As the Australian Grand Prix approaches this weekend, Sky Sports F1's Anthony Davidson has shared his top six driver pairings for the 2026 season. With an exciting new chapter in Formula 1 set to unfold, here’s a breakdown of the standout duos to look out for as the season begins.
McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
One of the strongest pairings on the grid, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are both fiercely competitive. Last season, they pushed each other to the limit in the battle for the 2025 drivers' title, showcasing their exceptional driving skills. Their on-track rivalry has made them one of the most exciting and evenly matched teams in Formula 1 right now.
Mercedes’ duo, George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, is shaping up to be a formidable pairing. Russell’s stability and experience make him one of the fastest drivers on the grid, while Antonelli’s natural talent and commitment impressed many during his rookie year. The young driver’s energy and work ethic have brought a fresh dynamic to Mercedes, making this team one to watch.
Red Bull continues to dominate with Max Verstappen, who is considered one of the strongest drivers in Formula 1. Verstappen’s skill set leaves very few areas for improvement, but he’s constantly evolving, learning from past mistakes. His teammate, Isack Hadjar, impressed everyone with his performance as a rookie last season. It will be fascinating to see how Hadjar handles the immense pressure of partnering with Verstappen at Red Bull.
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
On paper, Ferrari’s lineup of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton looks unbeatable. Despite a challenging couple of years for Hamilton, the new car iteration might suit his driving style better, helping him extract more performance. Leclerc is renowned for his exceptional speed, particularly in qualifying, and his flair behind the wheel will be crucial for Ferrari’s success this season.
Williams’ recent shake-up has led to a more competitive lineup with Alex Albon and the addition of Carlos Sainz. Sainz’s professionalism and meticulous approach to racing have raised the entire team’s ambitions. His arrival has given Albon the boost he needed, pushing both drivers and the team to reach new heights. The impact of Sainz has already been evident in Williams’ performance.
The Haas pairing of Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon completes the top six. Ocon’s experience and consistent performances under pressure are complemented by Bearman’s exciting rookie year. Although Bearman made a few mistakes last season, his impressive fourth-place finish in Mexico proved his potential. Together, they form an energetic duo, and it will be interesting to see how they develop throughout the season.
With these six driver pairings set to headline the 2026 season, Formula 1 fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable start to the year, especially as the Australian Grand Prix kicks off.
Sky Sports F1 Australian GP Schedule
Thursday, March 5
3:00 AM: Drivers' Press Conference
6:00 AM: Paddock Uncut
9:45 PM: F3 Practice
10:55 PM: F2 Practice
Friday, March 6
1:00 AM: Australian GP Practice One
2:55 AM: F3 Qualifying
3:30 AM: Team Bosses Press Conference
3:50 AM: F2 Qualifying
4:35 AM: Australian GP Practice Two
6:15 AM: The F1 Show
Saturday, March 7
12:10 AM: F3 Sprint
1:10 AM: Australian GP Practice Three
3:05 AM: F2 Sprint
4:10 AM: Australian GP Qualifying Build-up
5:00 AM: Australian Grand Prix Qualifying
7:00 AM: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
9:45 PM: F3 Feature Race
Sunday, March 8
12:20 AM: F2 Feature Race
2:30 AM: Australian GP Build-up
4:00 AM: The Australian Grand Prix
6:00 AM: Australian GP Reaction: Chequered Flag
7:00 AM: Ted's Notebook
7:55 AM: Australian GP Race Replay
10:00 AM: Australian GP Highlights (also on Sky One)
With the Australian GP around the corner, make sure to tune in and catch all the action as the 2026 F1 season begins!
