#44 Mercedes
Championship position: 4th
A lack of a noticeable step in Mercedes’ fortunes frustrated Hamilton, but he has pulled out big results when the car is capable of doing so. By his own admission, he threw everything at his pole lap in Hungary to narrowly beat Verstappen, but the Mercedes is still leagues apart from the Red Bull in race trim. Beyond that pole, dragging his car with floor damage – sustained in a clash with Norris – to second at Barcelona must be a highlight. The Mercedes W14 has fluctuated between the second and fourth-fastest package, but Hamilton got the best out of it regardless and hasn’t finished a grand prix outside the top eight all year.
#4 McLaren
Championship position: 8th
When the McLaren MCL60 was struggling for pace, Norris knew how to get results out of it despite its clear limitations. Now that the car has been retooled, he’s chalked up podiums and dug results out when conditions haven’t been favourable. Australia had been the season highlight until the first phase of wide-ranging upgrades arrived in Austria, which allowed Norris to dice with the Ferraris and Mercedes. He claimed two consecutive second-place finishes at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, and was every bit a contender for pole for both races, but Spa showed that he must learn to deal with the growing threat of team-mate Piastri.
#1 Red Bull
Championship position: 1st
Top of the class. Searing pace and
