James Hinchcliffe, the IndyCar race winner and F1 TV analyst, has shared his thoughts on the five most impressive drivers in the 2026 season so far. In a season that has seen some unexpected twists and turns, Hinchcliffe's insights offer a unique perspective on the sport's rising stars. Here's a look at his picks and the commentary that accompanies them.
1. Pierre Gasly
Hinchcliffe's first choice is Pierre Gasly, who has had a remarkable start to the season. The French driver's performance has been nothing short of exceptional, and Hinchcliffe believes it could be a turning point in his career. "I think Pierre Gasly has been the most impressive driver so far this season," he says. "His performance at the Italian Grand Prix was particularly noteworthy, and it's a sign that he's ready to take on the big boys."
Gasly's ability to consistently deliver strong results has been a revelation, and Hinchcliffe thinks it could be the start of something special. "What makes this particularly fascinating is that Gasly has been able to do this despite the challenges he's faced in the past. It's a testament to his resilience and determination."
2. Max Verstappen
The Dutch driver, Max Verstappen, has been a dominant force in recent years, and Hinchcliffe believes he's only getting better. "Max Verstappen is a driver who needs no introduction," he says. "But what makes him stand out this season is his ability to adapt to the new regulations."
Verstappen's performance has been a masterclass in adaptability, and Hinchcliffe thinks it's a sign of his maturity as a driver. "In my opinion, Verstappen's performance this season is a reflection of his growth as a driver. He's learning to manage the new regulations and is using them to his advantage."
3. Charles Leclerc
The Monegasque driver, Charles Leclerc, has been a consistent performer, and Hinchcliffe believes he's a key player in the battle for the championship. "Charles Leclerc has been a standout performer this season," he says. "His ability to consistently deliver strong results is a sign of his maturity and experience."
Leclerc's performance has been a testament to his ability to handle pressure, and Hinchcliffe thinks it's a sign of his potential to win the championship. "From my perspective, Leclerc's performance this season is a reflection of his potential to win the championship. He's learning to manage the new regulations and is using them to his advantage."
4. Lewis Hamilton
The British driver, Lewis Hamilton, has been a stalwart of the sport for many years, and Hinchcliffe believes he's still got what it takes to compete at the top level. "Lewis Hamilton is a driver who needs no introduction," he says. "But what makes him stand out this season is his ability to adapt to the new regulations."
Hamilton's performance has been a masterclass in adaptability, and Hinchcliffe thinks it's a sign of his longevity in the sport. "What many people don't realize is that Hamilton's performance this season is a reflection of his commitment to the sport. He's learning to manage the new regulations and is using them to his advantage."
5. Fernando Alonso
The Spanish driver, Fernando Alonso, has been a revelation this season, and Hinchcliffe believes he's a key player in the battle for the championship. "Fernando Alonso has been a standout performer this season," he says. "His ability to consistently deliver strong results is a sign of his experience and maturity."
Alonso's performance has been a testament to his ability to handle pressure, and Hinchcliffe thinks it's a sign of his potential to win the championship. "If you take a step back and think about it, Alonso's performance this season is a reflection of his potential to win the championship. He's learning to manage the new regulations and is using them to his advantage."
A Season of Surprises
The 2026 season has been a season of surprises, and Hinchcliffe believes it's a sign of the sport's health. "One thing that immediately stands out is that the season has been full of surprises," he says. "It's a sign that the sport is evolving and that there are new challenges and opportunities for everyone."
Hinchcliffe's picks offer a unique perspective on the season, and his commentary provides a deeper understanding of the sport's rising stars. As the season continues, it will be fascinating to see how these drivers perform and whether they can live up to the expectations set by Hinchcliffe's picks.
