P1 with Matt and Tommy Our 2026 F1 season predictions
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Jan 12, 2026 The hosts dive into their bold predictions for the 2026 F1 season, highlighting surprise picks like Gasly and Bortoleto. They discuss potential team flops, with Ferrari and Cadillac topping the list. Will there be new race winners? The duo debates drivers like Antonelli and Albon as contenders. The controversial picks for the championship stir excitement, especially with Matt backing Leclerc and Tom going for Antonelli. Listeners also weigh in, adding to the buzz about what 2026 might hold for Formula 1!
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Predictions Are Earlier And Riskier This Year
- Hosts stress predictions now are earlier than usual because car launches and private testing timelines moved up.
- Early predictions therefore come with higher variance and will be revisited after testing.
Regulation Change Means Real Uncertainty
- New 2026 regulations create genuine uncertainty and a likely reshuffle of the F1 pecking order.
- Matt and Tom emphasise that early predictions are risky because testing and loopholes (eg. engine compression) can produce big surprises.
Engine 'Loophole' Is Shifting Preseason Odds
- Discussion of a reported engine 'loophole' suggests Mercedes/Red Bull could gain ~0.3s per lap.
- Both hosts warn the claim is speculative but say it already shifts pre-season expectations.