Mercedes expect tougher second half despite championship advantage
Mercedes head into the second half of the 2026 season leading both championships, but the team are cautious about a more intense fight ahead. After dominating the early races, their advantage has narrowed in more recent rounds.
At the halfway stage of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Mercedes hold a 72-point lead in the Teams' Championship. Kimi Antonelli also leads the Drivers' Championship by 50 points.
Mercedes are preparing for a more intense second half of the campaign despite that position. The team had been the dominant force in the early races, but rivals have closed the gap more recently.
That trend has led to a cautious outlook from Mercedes ahead of the season's resumption, with the title battle expected to become more competitive.
In this story
Sources (2)
Summaries are synthesized by F1 Hub from the linked sources. Follow the links above to read the full reporting at each outlet.