The 2026 Formula 1 season is underway with Mercedes establishing early dominance in the new regulations era. Here's a complete look at the current championship odds available at BetOnline.
George Russell (-160)
The Mercedes driver enters as the overwhelming favorite after winning the Australian Grand Prix and securing Sprint pole position in China. Russell has capitalized on Mercedes' strong start to the season, with the W17 showing superior pace through the opening rounds. The British driver is seeking his first World Drivers' Championship.
Kimi Antonelli (+325)
Russell's teammate has emerged as the primary challenger after a historic Chinese Grand Prix weekend. Antonelli became the youngest polesitter in F1 history at 19 years old and followed it up with his maiden Grand Prix victory. The Italian's rapid development in his sophomore season has positioned him as a legitimate title contender driving identical machinery to Russell.
Lewis Hamilton (+1100)
The seven-time champion faces long odds in his pursuit of a record eighth title with Ferrari. Hamilton has shown competitive pace, qualifying third in China and securing a Sprint podium, but Mercedes' early advantage leaves him with significant ground to make up. Ferrari's development trajectory through the season will determine whether these odds shorten.
Charles Leclerc (+1200)
Hamilton's Ferrari teammate sits slightly longer in the betting despite outqualifying the British driver in both opening races. Leclerc's single-lap pace remains elite, though Ferrari has yet to match Mercedes' race pace consistency.
Max Verstappen (+1400)
The four-time defending champion faces an uphill battle with Red Bull's early-season struggles. Verstappen qualified eighth in China, nearly a second off the pace, as the team continues working through challenges with their new Ford power unit partnership.
Lando Norris (+2800)
The defending champion faces steep odds after McLaren's difficult start to the season. Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri (+3300) dominated the 2025 championship but have been unable to match the pace of Mercedes and Ferrari through the opening rounds.
Longshot Markets
Isack Hadjar (+10000) leads the next tier of contenders driving for Red Bull's second seat. Fernando Alonso (+25000), Carlos Sainz (+25000), and Alex Albon (+50000) round out the market with minimal championship expectations given their current machinery.
The championship picture remains fluid with 22 races remaining, though Mercedes' early advantage has created a clear two-tier market structure. The deadline for championship futures betting is March 26 at 7:30 PM ET.