Racing Bulls could clinch a podium before the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season. This is the prediction of former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, who believes the team’s recent form puts them in a position to seize any opportunity in the remaining rounds of the championship.
This assessment follows a solid first half of the Faenza team’s season, which frequently finished among the top ten. This performance propelled Racing Bulls to fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship, five points ahead of Alpine.
Nevertheless, Alpine remains, so far, the only team outside the top four to stand on the podium in 2026, thanks to Pierre Gasly’s third place at the Monaco Grand Prix. Still, Hinchcliffe believes this scenario could change before the season ends.
In an interview with F1, the Canadian made a bold forecast for the second half of the season: “A podium for Racing Bulls. Just as Hadjar managed to secure one last season with the Faenza team, I think there is a chance this year as well, considering how much the team has evolved and the good form of the two drivers,” he said.
Hinchcliffe avoided naming which driver would have the best chance of achieving this result, but highlighted the performances of both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad: “I won’t say who I consider the most likely candidate, because I really don’t know. The two have been delivering a very high level during race weekends, and if everything goes right, perhaps in our first wet race of the year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lawson or Lindblad seize the opportunity to reach the podium,” he added.
