One reason to root for all 22 drivers on the 2026 F1 grid

"Zak Brown has rebuilt McLaren in his own image: bold, ambitious and with a love of close, fair racing. The reigning constructors' champion has a clear identity, and in 2025 it proved it would stick to it. Love Papaya rules or loathe them, McLaren refused to blink, even when it risked costing the team everything. In a sport as cutthroat as F1, that conviction feels refreshingly bold."

"Lando Norris: He's Formula 1's newest world champion, but is he treated like one? He has long been one of the sport's most popular figures, yet even after lifting the title, some still question whether he carries the same aura as those who came before him. Get on board here if you enjoy watching a driver silence the haters -- he's been doing it his whole career."

"Once dismissed as 'just an energy drinks company,' Red Bull has become one of Formula 1's all-time powerhouses. Now it's going further, building not just the car, but its own engine too. It's the boldest gamble on the grid. Masterstroke or hubris? We'll find out soon enough, but early signs are good."

Formula 1 fandom has become increasingly toxic, with fans pressured to declare allegiance and defend their choices aggressively rather than simply enjoying racing. However, the sport provides legitimate reasons to support every team and driver. McLaren, under Zak Brown's leadership, has established a bold identity centered on fair racing and conviction, refusing to compromise principles despite risks. Lando Norris, the newest world champion, continues proving doubters wrong despite questions about his championship aura. Oscar Piastri faces unfinished business after his 2025 season unraveled following the Monza team orders situation. Red Bull has evolved from an energy drinks company into a powerhouse, now undertaking the bold gamble of building its own engine alongside competitive cars.

Read at ESPN.com