As we approach 2026 and consider new regulations, it’s the holiday season—a time for tradition and reflection. This year, I’m assessing the performance of each team throughout the season, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation is subjective, and today’s review covers teams from Alpine to Mercedes, with part two coming tomorrow.
ALPINE
Poles: 0
Wins: 0
Constructors’ Championship Position: 10th (22 points)
The Good: Pierre Gasly stands out as a significant asset for Alpine, having achieved a top-six finish in 2025. His long-term commitment offers some stability, and with Franco Colapinto finally set for a preseason as a race driver, there’s potential for improvement heading into 2026. The upcoming switch to a Mercedes power unit brings optimism for greater competitiveness, especially given Enstone’s history of producing solid chassis.
The Bad: Alpine has faced challenges, including the surprising exit of team principal Ollie Oakes and an uncompetitive car that lacked development. Jack Doohan was replaced by Colapinto mid-season with limited time to adapt, leading to both drivers in the second seat failing to score points all year.
Rating: 3/10
ASTON MARTIN
Poles: 0
Wins: 0
Constructors’ Championship Position: 7th (89 points)
The Good: With Adrian Newey joining the team, there’s hope for improvement, and Fernando Alonso has been impressive, securing significant points. Lance Stroll also contributed solid results, keeping the team competitive in a challenging midfield.
The Bad: The overall competitiveness has not progressed, and despite Newey’s expertise, management instability raises concerns. The team’s total points from this year fell short of previous seasons, indicating a need for better foundation and execution.
Rating: 5/10
FERRARI
Poles: 1
Wins: 0
Constructors’ Championship Position: 4th (398 points)
The Good: Charles Leclerc had a strong season, nearly replicating his emotional win from 2024 and gaining several podiums. Lewis Hamilton also kept pace at times, contributing to the team’s competitive spirit.
The Bad: Ferrari struggled with car performance and development issues, resulting in disappointing finishes. The early season setbacks and mid-season focus on 2026 led to a lack of competitiveness, with their final standings reflecting missed opportunities.
Rating: 4/10
HAAS
Poles: 0
Wins: 0
Constructors’ Championship Position: 8th (79 points)
The Good: Haas rebounded from a rough start to the season, showcasing impressive improvement and scoring points consistently across several races. Notably, Ollie Bearman’s strong finish in Mexico highlighted the potential of the team.
The Bad: Early issues significantly affected performance, and while they showed growth, there were still missed opportunities that limited their potential to climb higher in the standings. Consistency remains an area needing improvement.
Rating: 7/10
McLAREN
Poles: 13
Wins: 14
Constructors’ Championship Position: 1st (833 points)
The Good: McLaren continued its upward trajectory, with Lando Norris excelling as a champion and Oscar Piastri showing great promise. The team not only clinched the championship but also did so with thrilling consistency.
The Bad: Despite their success, McLaren nearly lost the drivers’ championship due to strategic errors. Managing their internal competition will be crucial moving forward to maintain their competitive edge in the coming seasons.
Rating: 9/10
