Lando Norris rated sixth favourite for F1 title defence in 2026 season
Defending champion Lando Norris has been listed as only the sixth favourite to retain his Formula 1 crown as the expanded 11-team grid prepares for the season opener in Melbourne.
The 2026 campaign begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix.
Norris claimed his maiden world title in 2025 following a tense battle that went down to the wire against Max Verstappen and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Despite entering the new era as the man to beat, bookmakers have priced the Briton at 10/1 to lift the trophy again.
McLaren face sceptics despite 2025 triumph
The Woking-based outfit enjoyed a dominant spell last year.
However, expectations have tempered significantly ahead of the new regulations.
Norris sits behind rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli, who is priced at 8/1, in the pecking order.
Oscar Piastri is listed further back at 14/1.
Ferrari impressed during pre-season testing, leading to slashed odds for both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Max Verstappen remains a formidable obstacle at Red Bull, now joined by 21-year-old Isack Hadjar (100/1).
Hadjar replaces Sergio Perez and faces the daunting task of matching the Dutchman’s pace in the same machinery.
Cadillac and Audi enter the fray
The 2026 season marks a significant shift in the sport’s landscape with the arrival of two major manufacturers.
Cadillac join the grid with a wealth of experience in their cockpit.
The American marque has signed veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to spearhead their debut campaign.
Bookmakers remain cautious regarding their immediate impact, pricing both drivers at 1000/1 for the championship.
Audi also make their long-awaited entry, fielding Nico Hulkenburg alongside Gabriel Bortoleto.
The Brazilian youngster impressed during his rookie season in 2025, while Hulkenburg finally secured a career-first podium last year.
Both Audi drivers are rated as 500/1 outsiders, alongside Alpine’s Franco Colapinto.
Veterans and rookies aim to upset odds
Fernando Alonso continues to defy his age at Aston Martin.
Despite technical concerns raised by designer Adrian Newey, the Spaniard is the eighth favourite at 28/1.
Further down the grid, Carlos Sainz is entering his second year with Williams.
The Spaniard recovered from a slow start against Alex Albon in 2025 to finish just nine points adrift of his team-mate.
Sainz is priced at 100/1, significantly shorter than Albon’s 250/1.
Pierre Gasly is hoping for a resurgence with Alpine at 150/1 after a difficult previous campaign.
Haas pairing Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman are both listed at 400/1 as they look to break into the top 10.
