The internal classification duels of the 2026 Formula 1 season show wide advantages in some teams and much more balanced disputes in others. Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso stand out the most when Sprint Qualifying sessions are also considered.
Read more F1: Haas has Bearman out of qualifying and Ocon in 13th in Spain
At McLaren, Norris leads Oscar Piastri 14 to 5 in the overall confrontation and 9 to 5 considering only the qualifying for the main races. At Aston Martin, Alonso has an even greater advantage over Lance Stroll, with 16 to 3 overall and 12 to 2 in the sessions that define the GP grids.
Other confrontations also show significant differences. Carlos Sainz beats Alexander Albon 14 to 5 overall and 10 to 4 in the main races, while Pierre Gasly surpasses Franco Colapinto 13 to 6 and 10 to 4. At Haas, Oliver Bearman has the advantage over Esteban Ocon 12 to 7 in the complete balance and 9 to 5 excluding the Sprints.
Read more F1: Russell details error that cost time in Spanish GP qualifying
Among the teams with more balanced disputes, Ferrari has Lewis Hamilton ahead of Charles Leclerc 10 to 9 when all qualifying sessions are considered, but the two are tied 7 to 7 in the main races. At Audi, Gabriel Bortoleto beats Nico Hülkenberg 10 to 9 overall, while the duel is tied 7 to 7 without the Sprint sessions.
Mercedes also shows balance, with Kimi Antonelli leading George Russell 10 to 9 overall and 8 to 6 in the main qualifying sessions. At Cadillac, Sergio Pérez surpasses Valtteri Bottas 10 to 9 overall, but there is a tie at 7 to 7 in the sessions that define the race grids.
Read more F1: Check out the photo gallery from this Saturday’s 2026 Spanish GP
