F1 2026: Early Teammate Head-to-Head Statistics

The only true measure of an F1 driver is against their teammate in equal machinery. Four rounds into the 2026 season, early head-to-head statistics are revealing fascinating dynamics across the grid, including surprising rookie performances and shifting internal hierarchies.

Why it matters

Teammate dynamics dictate team strategies, internal politics, and championship outcomes. Early trends in 2026 show whether new pairings are gelling or if established stars are facing unexpected pressure from within their own garages.

The details

• McLaren: Lando Norris holds a narrow 2-1 Grand Prix lead over Oscar Piastri, though he dominates the sprints 3-0.
• Mercedes: Rookie Kimi Antonelli has stunned with a 3-1 GP advantage over George Russell, becoming the youngest championship leader after Japan, despite Russell's 3-0 sprint record.
• Red Bull: Max Verstappen already holds a 3-1 GP lead over new teammate Isack Hadjar, continuing his history of dominating teammates.
• Ferrari: Charles Leclerc holds the upper hand against Lewis Hamilton. While they are tied 2-2 in GPs, Leclerc has swept the sprints 3-0.
• Williams: Carlos Sainz leads Alex Albon 3-1 in GPs and 3-0 in sprints after a strong start to the year.
• Audi: Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg are evenly matched at 2-2 in GPs as the Audi era officially begins.
• Cadillac: Sergio Perez has the early edge over Valtteri Bottas, leading 3-1 in GPs and 3-0 in sprints.

What's next

As the 2026 regulation reset continues to shake up the competitive order, these internal battles will only intensify. Expect shifts in momentum as teams bring upgrades and drivers settle into their machinery, particularly at Ferrari and Red Bull where the pressure to match elite teammates is immense.