Medland’s 2026 Formula 1 wishlist

DRIVERS ENJOY THE RACING

One of the concerns heading into 2026 revolves around the complexity of the new cars and the different demands on the drivers in the cockpits. Overtake mode, boost, straight line and corner aerodynamic configurations, other power unit and battery configurations… There’s plenty to be done to try and get the best lap time out of a car.

And while the new cars are very different to their predecessors, they also will have reduced downforce and be far less developed than the cars that ended the 2025 season. So drivers are likely to notice significant changes in how they feel, and how enjoyable they are to drive.

Pre-season is unlikely to lead to glowing references of the fun they’re having behind the wheel, but competition can soon fix that. Some of the racing in early 2022 – despite stiffer cars that struggled with porpoising – was great to watch and saw drivers talking up their enjoyment of the fighting they could do on track.

I’d argue our enjoyment as fans is more important than that of the drivers themselves, but the two can go hand-in-hand and a good start to the era would be close racing that the drivers look forward to on a Sunday.

When the action's close, things can also get heated...which can be a good thing for the spectacle. Mark Thompson/Getty Images

SOME STRONG RIVALRIES DEVELOP

Sure, it’s nice when everyone gets along, but you can’t argue that a sport is heightened when here is real feeling behind the competition, because of rivalries between different sides.

I don’t think we’ll get that from the McLaren drivers if there’s a repeat of last year’s title battle, and for now there seems to be a lot of genuine respect between not only those behind the wheel but also those in charge of each team.

The respect should definitely stay, but whether they are teammates, competing drivers or opposing bosses, everyone doesn’t have to get on quite so well all of the time.

HERTA GETS HIS SUPER LICENSE

I’m straying into the realms of Formula 2 for the first time in this feature, but Colton Herta’s debut season in the feeder series will be a really interesting storyline to follow this coming year.

Let’s be honest, Herta should not have to race in F2 to secure his Super License, with his performances in IndyCar more than adequate to compete in F1. But he’s having to deal with the rules as they were written up until December (when IndyCar did get more Super License points awarded to the series), and to that end I think it’s a brilliant decision to go and race rather than sit on the sidelines ticking off FP1 sessions.

Having made such a brave move – as it could hurt his reputation if he struggles – I want him Herta to get his Super License, but I want him to have to work for it.

Herta in F2 will be a major center of attention however it works out. Kym Illman/Getty Images

There are some really strong talents in F2, as evidenced by the performance of the rookies that were promoted in recent years, and if Herta walks into the category and dominates then I worry it would be seen in some quarters as a devaluing of F2 rather than the immense feather in the cap of IndyCar that it should be.

Herta wants to get more comfortable back on the F1 ladder, but I’m pretty certain that will take some time. All I’m asking for is a year when he takes some wins, secures the points he needs and boosts his (and by association IndyCar’s) own reputation, while also showing just how good the standard is in F2 as well.

THE DRIVER MARKET IS CRAZY

12 months ago was a time of pretty significant change on the driver front, so I was fine with limited movement this winter, but let’s have some fun again in the coming months.

There are so many seats that could open up for different reasons, and perhaps Max Verstappen is right at the heart of it again. No offense to Red Bull, but it’s always cool seeing such a successful driver try and repeat that success in a new environment, and I think the Dutchman is likely to be the catalyst.

Verstappen clearly loves the team, but if Red Bull struggles and he decides for a fresh start in 2027, that could trigger all sorts of shuffling in the market.

MADRID DELIVERS

With Imola gone and a new race in another city location, I really want Madrid to work out. Firstly, everything needs to be finished on time so that it doesn’t have too many teething problems, but beyond that it would be great if the track delivered exciting racing.

Drivers and some fans appear to be tiring a little of having as many street circuits as the calendar currently includes (nearly half now, with nine in 2026) but if the action on track is good, and that is combined with being within easy public transport reach of a beautiful city, then Madrid will be a welcome addition.

ALBON SCORES A PODIUM

I had Carlos Sainz getting some big results on last year’s wishlist and they duly came, with two podiums and a top three in a Sprint to boot. But he was very much in the shadow of the impressive Alex Albon for the first half of the season, and the Spaniard finished behind his new Williams teammate.

Despite that, a poor end to the year shifted the narrative a bit around Albon, and having been such an important part of the Williams story in recent years, I’d love to see him get a trophy in 2026. In fact, if the Mercedes power unit is strong, perhaps both Williams drivers can pick up quite a few…