Hill and Herbert Tap Russell and Aston Martin as 2026 F1 Dark Horses
F1 veterans Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert believe the 2026 regulation reset could open the door for surprise contenders, naming George Russell at Mercedes and Adrian Newey's Aston Martin as their top dark horses to watch.
As Formula 1 heads toward a major regulatory reset in 2026, former champions Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert have identified their potential "dark horses" to shake up the grid. The veterans believe that George Russell at Mercedes and the ambitious Aston Martin team are best positioned to challenge the usual suspects. Their picks are based on a combination of driver talent, technical whispers, and strategic investments made ahead of the new era.
Why it matters:
The 2026 rules overhaul, featuring a new 50/50 combustion-electric power unit and active aerodynamics, is designed to close the field and create more unpredictable racing. This presents a rare opportunity for teams who have been playing the long game to leapfrog the current frontrunners. If Hill and Herbert are correct, the established order could be shattered, leading to one of the most exciting title fights in recent memory and validating the massive investments made by teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin.
The details:
- George Russell & Mercedes: Both Hill and Herbert independently singled out Russell as their primary dark horse.
- Herbert highlighted Russell's brilliant consistency in 2025 and strong paddock whispers suggesting Mercedes has mastered the new power unit regulations.
- Hill agreed, noting Russell's impressive performances in a car that wasn't a regular winner and questioning Red Bull's readiness for the new rules.
- Herbert also suggested that a strong car could make the Russell-Antonelli pairing a "double win" threat for the constructors' championship.
- Aston Martin's Ambitious Project: The second team on their radar is Aston Martin, seen as a wildcard with immense potential.
- The Newey Factor: The presence of legendary designer Adrian Newey, now shaping the team's technical direction, is seen as a game-changer.
- Honda Return: The team's partnership with Honda as a works power unit supplier for 2026 provides a significant boost in performance potential.
- Resources & Timing: Hill and Herbert noted that Aston Martin has the financial resources and has had the time to build its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a new wind tunnel, putting them in a prime position to finally deliver on their ambitions.
What's next:
While these predictions from seasoned experts carry weight, the true test will come when the 2026 cars hit the track for pre-season testing. The development race over the coming months will be critical, as teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin aim to translate their promising foundations into genuine race-winning pace. If their dark horse picks materialize, the 2026 season could mark the beginning of a new, more competitive era in Formula 1.