Five impressive F1 records that could be broken in 2026

Despite the 2025 season still rolling on, we're jumping ahead to next year, looking at some of the most impressive F1 records that could be broken in 2026.

From an unbelievable streak of podium finishes to a dominant Constructors' Championship contender, these records feature some of Formula One's biggest-ever names - who are firmly among those hoping to break new ground in 2026.

Below, Ladbrokes focuses on five of F1's most impressive records, which we're predicting may be at risk of being beaten in 2026.

With the F1 schedule constantly growing, it seems inevitable that this record will fall in the not-too-distant future. Sebastian Vettel has held the record for most poles in an F1 season since 2011, with his incredible tally of 15 starts from the front beating Nigel Mansell's long-standing record from 1992 - but we think it could be broken again in 2026.

Max Verstappen came close in his dominant 2023 campaign, qualifying in pole 12 times, but as the cars get faster and the pool of drivers genuinely competing for the World Championship remains small, we think another dominant campaign could see Vettel's record finally be conquered.

The 2026 Formula One season has a record-equalling 24 races in the calendar - five more than the 2011 season - so with greater opportunity, Ladbrokes thinks we could see another season of real control from one driver, topping Vettel's record of the most F1 poles in a season.

This one could be a little tougher to beat, with Max Verstappen setting an incredibly high benchmark just a few years ago in 2023, but we still think there's a strong chance that 2026 sees somebody break the record of most podiums in an F1 season.

The tally to beat is currently 21, and with 24 races to come in 2026, it will need a largely flawless campaign - but there are definitely drivers who are capable. Whether it's Lando Norris - who already has 17 podiums this season - Oscar Piastri, or even Max Verstappen again, one of the circuit's top performers will certainly feel this is an attainable record.

Verstappen claimed this one in the same year he smashed the record for most points in an F1 season, which tells you just how consistent a driver will need to be to take the crown. We're not necessarily predicting that it will happen, but the record for most podiums in an F1 season is definitely there for the taking.

Now onto a record that really captures the overriding beauty of Formula One - raw speed. Back in 2016, Valtteri Bottas pushed his Williams to 378 km/h during Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and despite only doing enough to qualify in P8, the Finn accelerated his name into the history books.

Being the driver who has registered the fastest ever Formula 1 speed is quite the accolade, and with the cars seemingly getting quicker and quicker, this record feels like it should already have fallen - and very easily could in 2026.

McLaren's cars have been flying recently, the Red Bulls always have serious speed, and you can never discount the Ferraris in a battle for raw pace - so we're predicting that this impressive F1 record will be broken. It will require a straight bit of track and decent conditions, but 2026 has every chance of seeing the highest speed ever recorded in Formula One - even without DRS.

The driver who currently holds the record for most F1 victories with a single Constructor is Lewis Hamilton, whose history-making stint at Mercedes saw him take the chequered flag 84 times - beating Michael Schumacher's previous record of 72 wins with Ferrari.

Max Verstappen is highly likely to leapfrog Schumacher and climb into second in 2026, with the Dutchman currently on 68 wins at Red Bull, and having already committed his future to the team despite chaos behind the scenes, he'll have it in his sights for 2026.

Hamilton, now at Ferrari, won't be adding to his record of 84 wins with Mercedes, so this one looks like it's Verstappen's record to claim - and extend. A strong 2026 will see him sit at the top of yet another record, and with the Dutchman missing out on the 2025 title by two points, his motivation for revenge could well spur him on.

Rounding off our take on the impressive F1 records we think could be broken in 2026, we're sticking with the Constructors, with McLaren looking well equipped to record the most consecutive 1-2 finishes in a single F1 season.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were two of the standouts in 2025, and if McLaren can make 2026's car as lethal as their last, there's every chance that this record falls.

The current benchmark stands at five consecutive 1-2 finishes, achieved by Ferrari (1952 & 2002) and Mercedes (2014, 2015-2016, 2019), but with the McLaren men clocking four in a row this year, it would be no surprise to see them go one or two better next season. McLaren ran away with the Constructors' Championship in 2025, so as the team currently well on top of Formula One, this will be a record they have their eyes on.

That wraps up our look at some of the most impressive F1 records that we think could be broken in 2026. For more Formula One content, check out our dedicated page. You'll find expert-led pieces on memorable F1 moments, Drivers' Championship winners lists, and more!

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.