Verstappen ‘in a league of his own’ as ex-driver assesses 2026 contenders

The former F1 driver, giving his forecast for the upcoming season, suggested that the championship narrative would become clearer after the first three races. Schumacher also praised Mercedes and Ferrari, highlighting their strong pre-season testing performances and the potential of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

"After the overseas races, the first three races of the season, you'll have a good feeling about who's in front and who isn't,” Schumacher said via the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

"Mercedes now has two top drivers in George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. They have the best chances because the car was strong and fast from the outset. The same applies to Charles Leclerc and Ferrari,” the 50-year-old added.

While acknowledging the strength of both teams, Schumacher tempered expectations, noting Verstappen’s enduring dominance.

"Max Verstappen is, of course, in a class of his own, but we'll have to wait and see how strong the driver-car combination is,” he concluded.

Schumacher opted for a different pick for the favourite in the drivers’ championship. The former Williams racing driver went against the choice of Russell and Verstappen, instead backing Mercedes’ young star Antonelli.

The driver-turned-pundit expressed his belief that the Italian is finely poised to mount a maiden championship challenge.