Hamilton Tops Analyst's 'Most Impressive' List, Verstappen Omitted

F1 TV analyst and former driver James Hinchcliffe has named his five most impressive drivers of the 2026 season so far, with a resurgent Lewis Hamilton leading the list while current and former world champions like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso were notably absent.

Why it matters:

Hinchcliffe's selection, which bypasses the usual championship frontrunners, highlights drivers whose performances have exceeded expectations or signaled a significant upward trajectory early in the season. It offers an alternative view on the grid's form, focusing on narrative and potential rather than just championship points.

The details:

• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Headlines the list after securing his first podium for Ferrari in China and engaging in fierce battles with teammate Charles Leclerc. Hinchcliffe praised this as proof Hamilton remains "willing and perfectly able to go toe-to-toe with one of the best."
• Oliver Bearman (Haas): Currently seventh in the standings, the Briton is recognized for showing an "aggressively upward" trajectory in his sophomore season, building impressively on his rookie year.
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): The new championship leader earned praise for a "dominating performance" in Japan that Hinchcliffe called the mark of a "future champion," suggesting the rookie is rapidly realizing his long-touted potential.
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren): Made the list despite only finishing one race, having started his season in Japan where he immediately landed on the podium, underscoring his raw speed and ability.
• Pierre Gasly (Alpine): Included for consistent points-scoring, having finished every race so far inside the top ten, providing crucial reliability for his team.

What's next:

The list sets a benchmark for watching these drivers' development. The focus will be on whether Hamilton can maintain this competitive level against Leclerc, if Antonelli can sustain his championship lead, and if Bearman and Piastri can convert their impressive starts into consistent results. Hinchcliffe's snubs of Verstappen and Norris will also be tested as the season progresses and the traditional contenders inevitably fight back.