With one final race before the summer break, F1 Fantasy players are keeping a close eye on upgrades. McLaren and Aston Martin have both promised significant packages that could launch new drivers and constructors onto the radar for the Hungarian Grand Prix. This week’s Buy and Sell rankings highlight several strong options for the 2X Boost, a downgrade for a popular constructor after Spa, and a few midfield differentials worth considering this weekend.
Optimism for an Upgraded McLaren
McLaren are bringing “significant” upgrades this weekend after Lando Norris took a penalty at Spa for a more reliable power electronics system. On a hot weekend with fewer Straight Mode zones, more constructors are expected to compete with Mercedes at the top of the grid. McLaren claimed P1 and P2 here last season in a decisive win in which the papaya duo finished 21 seconds faster than George Russell in P3.
If both McLaren drivers reach the top five in Free Practice 2, the sixth most selected constructor (10%) becomes a key differential. The McLaren constructor costs just $0.1M than Red Bull — an easy pivot for teams that ran Red Bull at Spa.
Leclerc a Lock for Early 4A Teams
No driver has scored more points in F1 Fantasy over the last two races than Charles Leclerc. Sportsbooks currently project Leclerc to finish P2 at a circuit that maximizes Ferrari’s advantage in low speed corners. At $23.6M, Leclerc is the cheapest premium driver in the game and an excellent value. He is tied with championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, for second on the grid with eight top 10 finishes.
With Antonelli locked in as the top driver in the game and Leclerc on a strong run of form, teams with at least $121.2M can confidently run 4A lineups (four premium/Tier A assets) this weekend.
Bortoleto: Unsung Hero of the Midfield
One of the most consistent price gainers on the grid is hiding in plain sight. Gabriel Bortoleto gained value in each of the last six races and only Lewis Hamilton has a longer active streak. While much has been made about Audi’s reliability this season, Bortoleto has completed every Grand Prix since China and averages 5.5 fantasy points per race.
This weekend, Bortoleto needs just 2 points to gain another $0.6M — a must-have midfield driver for teams focused on budget building heading into the summer break.
For a full breakdown of the best teams for this weekend, the most likely drivers to gain value, and the opening betting lines, check out the latest episode of The Fantasy Formula:
Can Russell Rebound?
An unlucky DNF after contact with Lewis Hamilton spoiled George Russell’s race in Belgium. The real story, though, was Russell’s power deployment deficit throughout the weekend. Russell qualified P4 and continued to struggle with straight line speed despite adjusting his driving style at the advice of the team.
At this point, F1 Fantasy players should look to other top drivers for the 2X Boost. If the issue persists this weekend, the Mercedes constructor could also be replaceable as an upgraded McLaren and in-form Ferrari contend for podium positions.
Alonso on the Rise
Our #BelgianGP weekend comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/YENJhwnd6D
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) July 19, 2026
With Aston Martin promising a B-spec AMR26 this weekend, Fernando Alonso stands to benefit the most. Mired in a disappointing season, the two-time champion completed the last three races and has suffered fewer reliability issues than his teammate, Lance Stroll.
Betting lines currently predict Alonso will finish P15, which would be his second best finish of the season. He needs just 3 points to gain $0.2M and is the fifth cheapest driver in the game. If Alonso takes a step forward in Friday’s practice sessions, he immediately rises to the Buy category as a differential budget pick.
Lawson’s Tricky Target
A top driver over the first ten races took a step backwards at Spa. Liam Lawson finished P12 with just 3 fantasy points last weekend, and the game’s second best budget builder gained just $0.2M. As we approach one of the lowest overtaking circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, Lawson needs 10 points to gain $0.6M, a feat he accomplished only once in the last four races.
Teams desperate for cost cap gains should move away from the Kiwi this weekend in favor of drivers with lower price gain targets. The top alternatives include Gabriel Bortoleto (2), Arvid Lindblad (4), and Franco Colapinto (5).
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