MERCEDES: The story of of a team that refused to stay down
Most people think of Mercedes-Benz as just a brand for luxury cars and Maybachs you see on the road. But its story in motorsport is very different, and much deeper. It goes all the way back to the 1950s. The journey of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team doesn’t really start in today’s Formula 1 paddock; it starts like a legend, where speed, innovation, and ambition first came together to build what we now know as the Silver Arrows.Now, before we head into how Mercedes created an empire of its own, let’s look at why Mercedes have the upper hand this season.The 2026 season introduced another major regulatory overhaul in Formula 1, offering teams a fresh opportunity to reset. This time, Mercedes approached the changes with a very different mindset, avoiding the pitfalls that hit them in 2022.Mercedes developed an entirely new aerodynamic philosophy, focusing on creating a car that performed consistently across different circuits and conditions. This broader operating window allowed them to extract performance more reliably, something that had been missing in previous years.
Mercedes F1 2026 (Image Credit: F1)
In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Andrea Kimi Antonelli currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship with 72 points. Driving for Mercedes alongside teammate George Russell, the 19-year-old Italian has had a record-breaking start to the year, securing back-to-back victories in China and Japan. By winning in Japan, he became the youngest driver in F1 history to lead the standings. His win in Shanghai was the first for an Italian driver in 20 years, since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.On 1 February 2024, Mercedes confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will depart after 12 years with the team, having activated an exit clause to sign a multi-year deal with Scuderia Ferrari starting from the 2025 season. Later that year, on 31 August 2024, Mercedes announced junior driver Kimi Antonelli as his replacement. On 19 December 2024, Valtteri Bottas was confirmed to return to Mercedes as a reserve driver. However, his second stint with the team was short-lived, as he departed ahead of the 2026 season to join the newly established Cadillac F1 Team. But the 19-year-old has proven his worth in the first three rounds of the Grand Prix.Mercedes secured back-to-back three podiums in F1 after almost 4 years, which Hamilton used to do in almost every race for Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Era (2014–2021): A Period of Unmatched Dominance
After making a comeback in Formula 1, Mercedes had an era of dominance, largely because of the hero of the team, Lewis Hamilton. The period between 2014 and 2021 represents the peak of Hamilton’s dominance in Formula 1 with Mercedes. Across these eight seasons, Hamilton secured six World Drivers’ Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020), establishing himself as the defining driver of the hybrid era. The only seasons where he fell short came in 2016, when teammate Nico Rosberg edged him to the title, and in 2021, when he lost out to Max Verstappen in a dramatic and controversial finale.
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Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes (Mercedes/F1 Photo)
By 2019 and 2020, Hamilton’s dominance reached another level. In 2019, he amassed a record-breaking points tally for a single season, showcasing complete control over the championship. The 2020 season further cemented his legacy, as he equalled Schumacher’s record of seven world titles and became the most successful driver in terms of race victories, surpassing 91 wins at the Portuguese Grand Prix.The 2021 season, however, brought one of the most dramatic title fights in Formula 1 history. Hamilton achieved his milestone 100th race win but ultimately lost the championship to Max Verstappen in a controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of his uninterrupted reign at the top.But it was not only Hamilton’s era; it was the era of Mercedes, when Formula 1 shifted from raw pace to a balance of energy management. This is where Mercedes gained a decisive edge. Their power unit was not only the most powerful on the grid but also the most efficient in how it used and deployed energy. Unlike traditional engines, hybrid units rely heavily on energy recovery systems. Mercedes perfected this balance early. Their engine could generate strong straight-line speed while consuming less fuel, which allowed drivers to push harder for longer without compromising race strategy. Efficiency also meant better thermal management and reliability, two factors that often decide championships over a long season.This particular factor of the engine was fully understood by Hamilton, which he adapted to very quickly season after season. That period was known as the Mercedes-Hamilton era, when other teams were competing for second place because Mercedes always had the upper hand, until 2021, when the actual downfall of Mercedes and Hamilton began.
2022 – The Miscalculation That Changed Everything
When Formula 1 introduced ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022, it fundamentally changed how cars generated performance. Instead of relying mainly on wings, cars now produced most of their downforce from airflow under the floor. This meant teams had to rethink everything, from car shape to suspension to airflow management.Before teams could fully adapt, Mercedes faced a psychological setback after losing to Red Bull in 2021, where Max Verstappen won his first championship in the finale. The Mercedes era was shattered, and then the aerodynamic changes hit the team.Mercedes chose not to follow the conventional design path. Instead, they introduced one of the most radical concepts in modern F1, the “zero sidepod” design, where the bulky side structures were almost entirely removed.From an engineering perspective, the idea was genuinely innovative. Traditional sidepods guide airflow around the car, but they also create drag and can disturb clean airflow toward the rear. In theory, this concept could have unlocked a completely new design philosophy, giving Mercedes an advantage similar to what they had in 2014.Normally, if a concept doesn’t work, teams can gradually shift direction. Mercedes couldn’t, because their design was so extreme and different. Technically, Mercedes lost performance. But psychologically, they lost something even bigger, control. They bet on a revolutionary idea, but in Formula 1, revolution only works if it’s controllable.This four-year period was not their only downfall. Before winning back-to-back championships, when they returned in 2010, they were not even close to competing for titles. But where were they over the long term?
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The Origins: 1950s Dominance and Withdrawal
Mercedes’ dominance actually dates back to the 1950s. They entered Formula 1 in 1954, and Juan Manuel Fangio won the championship that year and again in 1955. However, the team withdrew from motorsport after the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster. Mercedes returned as a works team in 2010, they signed 7 time champion Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Although results between 2010 and 2013 appeared modest, this period was a carefully planned rebuild.
Mercedes Formula 1 car from 1950s (Photo: f1)
Behind the scenes, Mercedes was constructing a long-term system rather than chasing short-term success. This groundwork laid the foundation for their dominance in the hybrid era. The results were in the favor of the team winning 7 record championships, until they hit with Psychological setback in 2021.After the domination era, Mercedes was way back in the race for three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2025, and then something happened that completely shocked the world of Formula 1.
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The Hamilton Exit: Why It Changed Everything at Mercedes
When Lewis Hamilton left the Mercedes, it wasn’t just a routine driver move, it was the breaking point of an era that had defined modern Formula 1. Hamilton and Mercedes weren’t just successful, they were interdependent. Over nearly a decade, they built one of the most dominant partnerships the sport has ever seen. But beyond statistics, Hamilton was central to how Mercedes functioned. He wasn’t just driving the car, he was shaping its development. His feedback influenced design philosophy, race strategy, and even team confidence.
Lewis Hamilton championship (Image: F1)
Now, in 2026, Mercedes’ aerodynamic and engine package is fully under their control. Drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have been actively involved in the engineering process, and the results are there for the world to see, with both drivers leading Grands Prix.Mercedes in F1 is truly a story of the rebirth of an empire. First, they dominated in an era of raw pace, then withdrew after a tragic accident. When they returned, they learned and built a seven-year period of dominance, after that a psychological setback. Now, they are experiencing yet another rebirth, with a completely different structure within the team.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has expressed concern over the continued detention of Senegalese football supporters in Morocco after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The fans were reportedly arrested after the final match between Senegal and Morocco during the tournament hosted by Morocco.
Speaking on the issue, President Faye said he personally reached out to Mohammed VI in a bid to secure the release or pardon of the detained supporters, but efforts have not produced any positive outcome.
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“I wrote to the King of Morocco to congratulate him on hosting the Africa Cup of Nations and to ask him to pardon our fans,” Faye said.
“I addressed the legal, diplomatic, and religious aspects, but he did not issue any positive response.”
The situation has continued to attract reactions from football fans in Senegal, with many urging both governments to find a diplomatic solution to the matter.
Mumbai Indians etched their name in cricket history on May 2, 2026, becoming the first team ever to surpass the 50,000-run mark in T20 cricket. The milestone was achieved during their IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. Entering the match needing 114 runs to reach the landmark, MI crossed the historic threshold in the 15th over of their innings.Interestingly, the record came in a game where Mumbai posted a below-par total, but the significance of the achievement overshadowed the result. In their 308th T20 appearance, the franchise became the first to breach the 50,000-run barrier, underlining their longevity and dominance in the shortest format.Mumbai Indians’ tally includes runs accumulated across 286 IPL matches and 22 Champions League Twenty20 games. Their consistency over the years has made them one of the most successful and prolific teams in T20 history.Top ContributorsLeading the charge is former captain Rohit Sharma, who has been the backbone of MI’s batting with 6,286 runs. He is followed by Suryakumar Yadav (3,933 runs) and Kieron Pollard (3,915 runs), both of whom have played crucial roles in the franchise’s success.Global T20 Run Leaders (as of May 2, 2026)
Mumbai Indians – 50,003 runs (308 matches)
Somerset County Cricket Club – 48,244 runs (303 matches)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 47,304 runs (295 matches)
Chennai Super Kings – 46,438 runs (286 matches)
India national cricket team – 45,241 runs (281 matches)
Coming to the match, MI collapsed from a promising position to finish at 159/7, with Naman Dhir top-scoring with 57. The middle order once again faltered, unable to capitalise despite a solid platform. CSK’s bowling was led by Anshul Kamboj (3/32), while Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton applied consistent pressure through the middle overs.In reply, CSK chased down the target comfortably, powered by an unbeaten 67 from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a steady 54* from Kartik Sharma. The victory at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium not only completed a league double over their arch-rivals but also dealt a significant blow to Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes, while keeping CSK firmly in contention.
MUMBAI : In a significant boost to her career, Delhi Capitals pacer Nandani Sharma has earned her maiden India call-up for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, with the BCCI naming a 15-member squad on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has also been picked for the historic one-off Test at Lord’s from July 10, immediately after the tournament.
The uncapped Chandigarh seamer forced her way into contention with a standout debut WPL season, finishing as joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps in 10 games for runners-up Delhi Capitals. Her campaign, highlighted by a hat-trick in just her second match, marked her out as one of the season’s breakout stars.
The squad also sees the return of wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, while Anushka Sharma and Uma Chetry miss out. Injuries ruled out promising allrounders Amanjot Kaur (back) and Kashvee Gautam (knee), opening the door for Radha’s recall and strengthening India’s spin depth alongside Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani.
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Explaining the omissions, chief selector Amita Sharma said Kashvee would undergo surgery, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur confirmed Amanjot could be sidelined for up to five months.
Yastika, returning after an ACL surgery that ruled her out of the 2025 ODI World Cup, last played a T20I in April 2024. Her comeback adds experience to the lower-middle order and wicketkeeping group led by Richa Ghosh.
Radha, who has featured in 89 T20Is and taken 103 wickets, returns in time for her fifth T20 World Cup, bringing experience and control to India’s bowling attack.
India will open their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham and are placed in a challenging Group A alongside Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. The squad will assemble for a pre-tournament camp at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence from May 10 before heading to England for a three-match T20I series, which will serve as preparation.
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Harmanpreet, set to feature in her 10th T20 World Cup and lead India for the fifth time, will be aiming to end India’s wait for a maiden T20 World Cup title after their 50over World Cup triumph.
Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby as Golden Tempo surged from last place to triumph by a neck at Churchill Downs.
Jockey Joe Ortiz urged the 23-1 shot past 4-1 favourite Renegade – ridden by his brother Irad Ortiz Jr – on the line in a breathtaking finish, while Ocelli was third in the 152nd edition of the race.
“Today’s my day and Golden Tempo’s day,” said Joe Ortiz, after winning American Flat racing’s most prestigious event at the 11th attempt.
“I want [brother Irad] to win the Derby, of course – I know it’s his dream as well – but it happened that way. I think he should be happy, his horse ran a very good race.”
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Winning trainer DeVaux said she never imagined she would be victorious in the Kentucky Derby.
“I started my career here 22 years ago as a bright-eyed bushy tailed exercise rider and I would not believe that I would be sitting up here today,” she added.
Golden Tempo was at the back of the 18-strong field with half a mile of the one and quarter mile race to go.
Renegade was also off the pace, about 15 lengths back midway through the race as he tried to become the first horse to win from the inside gate in 40 years.
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But after storming down the final stretch it looked like the favourite had secured victory, only for Golden Tempo to edge past him on the line, winning in a time of two minutes 2.27 seconds.
Joe Ortiz followed up his victory in the Kentucky Oaks aboard Always A Runner on Friday to become just the ninth jockey to win both races in the same year.
David Benavidez dismantled Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on Saturday, stopping the Mexican with a stunning combination to win the WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles.
At T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Benavidez dropped Ramirez in the fourth round and again in the sixth, with the latter knockdown proving decisive.
The first knockdown came courtesy of Benavidez’s trademark, rapid flurries – one against the ropes and one out in the open – with single, heavier shots mixed in.
David Benavidez (left) stopped Zurdo Ramirez to become a three-weight world champion (Getty)
It was a left hook that finally put down Ramirez on that occasion, badly damaging his eye as well, but the 34-year-old was saved by the bell before battling through the fifth round.
But late in the sixth frame, Benavidez fought his way off the ropes and dug a right hook to the body, before unleashing a rapid-fire eight-punch combination.
That froze Ramirez, who then ate a left hook, a right, and one more of each. The southpaw retreated, holding a glove in front of his damaged eye, and sank to a knee.
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Benavidez refrained from adding any unnecessary blows, before Ramirez shook his head at referee Thomas Taylor when the count hit eight, sparking jubilation in Benavidez in the corner.
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Benavidez stayed unbeaten while handing Ramirez his second loss (AP)
Bivol was on Benavidez’s radar during the latter’s recent run at light-heavyweight, although the former undisputed champion is tied up with a fight against Michael Eifert on 30 May and then likely a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev.
Before targeting Bivol, Benavidez was eyeing a bout with Canelo Alvarez, but the Mexican-American’s frustrations at failing to secure that fight led him to move up in weight.
Could Alisson return to Liverpool team even if he hasn’t trained?
Arne Slot also said Alisson Becker could return to Liverpool’s starting line-up if he managed to take part in at least one training session before Sunday. With Giorgi Mamardashvili also sidelined, third-choice Freddie Woodman took up the role between the posts for the win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
“I think there’s a difference between a goalkeeper and a player,” Slot said. “If a player hasn’t trained for a few weeks, players need to run much more than goalkeepers do.
“I don’t think the issue with a player is when he’s out for four or five weeks that he forgot to know how to play football, it’s usually that the fitness levels are not at the levels to play at this intensity that the Premier League is asking.
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“So, there’s a difference between a goalkeeper and an outfield player.”
(Getty)
Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 10:16
What Arne Slot said on Alisson before Old Trafford visit
Alisson has been sidelined since Liverpool’s Champions League win over Galatasaray in March with a muscle injury and Arne Slot said the Brazilian had yet to return to training when he spoke to the media on Friday.
“Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. [He is] very close to training with us, I have to hear today from the medical staff if he is able to train today or either tomorrow or otherwise the start of next week,” Slot said.
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“He is very close but of course, also we don’t want to take any risks, because that’s never what you do with a player and that’s also not what we do now.”
(Getty)
Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 09:58
What is the Liverpool team news?
Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah due to injury, which means the Egyptian will miss out on a final trip to Old Trafford as a Liverpool player. A late call will be made on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, with Freddie Woodman set to continue if the Brazilian remains unavailable due to injury. There are some rumours, meanwhile, that Alexander Isak has picked up another injury and will be unavailable, though those are yet to be confirmed.
Possible line-up: Woodman; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak
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Jamie Braidwood3 May 2026 09:50
What is the Manchester United team news?
Matheus Cunha missed out on Monday’s win against Brentford could could return to the squad. Michael Carrick said he was hopeful Luke Shaw could feature after he was forced off but Matthijs de Ligt is not ready yet and Lisandro Martinez is suspended.
It’s one of the biggest fixtures in the Premier League season: Manchester United v Liverpool at Old Trafford. The race for the top five may be wrapped up but let’s hope we get some fireworks…
PSG did not prepare in the best possible way for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. With a reshuffled squad, PSG were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Lorient. The result had no impact on the title race, as Lens also failed to win at Nice (1-1) and remain six points behind PSG.
It’s crisis time in Marseille. Marseille suffered their fourth defeat in their last six Ligue 1 matches, being heavily beaten by struggling Nantes (3–0).
Arsenal, meanwhile, extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points after a comfortable win against Fulham. In Spain, Barcelona have almost secured the league title after their victory over Osasuna.
In Formula 1, Lando Norris won the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix while Marta Kostyuk secured Madrid Open title for first time in tennis.
SRH vs KKR LIVE Score | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders LIVE Updates, IPL 2026: Big Matheesha Pathirana Suspense As KKR Face SRH In Must-Win Clash
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 clash on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Pat Cummins and Co. are enjoying a superb run this season and head into the contest on the back of two remarkable run chases. Against Rajasthan Royals, SRH successfully chased down a daunting target of 229, before making light work of a massive 243 against Mumbai Indians in their previous match. KKR, meanwhile, have finally found some rhythm in the tournament after registering victories in their last two games. With both teams gaining momentum at a crucial stage of the season, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a key fixture as they look to keep their campaigns firmly on track. (Live Scorecard)
SRH vs KKR, IPL 2026 Live Updates, straight from Hyderabad:
There’s being in the zone, and then there’s whatever realm of hockey greatness Logan Stankoven has unlocked this spring. The Hurricanes forward was sensational in Round 1 against the Ottawa Senators, scoring in all four games of his squad’s sweeping victory, and he wasted no time making his mark on Round 2 as he led Carolina to a 3-0 series-opening win over the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night.
Just as he did versus Ottawa, Stankoven was the first to light the lamp in this series — he needed just 91 seconds to make his mark against the Flyers. He added another goal in the second frame to give Carolina a 3-0 lead, bringing his post-season goal tally to six through just five games.
We saw glimpses of his playoff clutch gene last year when Stankoven scored twice in Carolina’s playoff opener against New Jersey and also opened the Hurricanes’ scoring in Round 2 versus Washington. His strong start again this spring has proven to have plenty of staying power. With Saturday’s two-goal performance, the 23-year-old is now tied for the league lead in playoff goals with Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel and Minnesota’s Matt Boldy, with one fewer game to his name.
Carolina extends unique streak
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Through five games of these playoffs, the Hurricanes are making post-season hockey look easy. They never once trailed through four games against Ottawa last round, and with their 3-0 victory on Saturday, they extended that streak to five straight games of playoff domination. And, just like their series against Ottawa, Carolina kicked off Round 2 against the Flyers with a shutout win.
They’ve now outscored playoff opponents by a combined score of 14-5 through five matchups.
Philly learning on the fly (the hard way)
After ousting the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime of Game 6 Wednesday night, the Flyers had just two days to rest and reset for Game 1 of their second-round series against the Hurricanes — and it showed.
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A turnaround that quick is a tough ask for any team, but for a Flyers squad coming off such an emotional, turbulent return to playoff hockey, there’s no question it’s taken its toll. We saw it on the injury report, too, with forward Owen Tippett held out of Game 1 and now given a short runway to heal up and return to the lineup.
There’s plenty of hockey ahead to right the ship, but not much time to ready the crew going forward. Game 2 is set for Monday night, giving them just one day to review film on this one and learn from it.
And there’s a lot to learn. Top priority will be trying to get something — anything — going on the power-play. While neither side of this matchup excelled with the man advantage on Saturday night, with both the Flyers and Hurricanes going 0-for-4 on the power play, the Flyers’ unit clearly needs a lot of work. It’s been a weakness all season, registering a league-worst 15.7 per cent success rate. They scored just two power-play goals on 17 opportunities against Pittsburgh in Round 1. Carolina’s penalty kill allowed Ottawa just one power-play goal on 21 chances, and was just as stifling in Game 1 Saturday night. Through their first three power plays, Philadelphia couldn’t muster a single shot on goal. They finally registered two during their final power play of the night.
Rest is best for Andersen
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There was no rest-versus-rust debate when it came to this matchup. Rest won out by a mile. Carolina entered Saturday’s contest on a full week’s rest, and no player benefited more than goaltender Frederik Andersen. The veteran netminder was at his best Saturday night, stopping all 19 shots he faced for his second straight series-opening shutout. That brings his post-season goals-against average to an otherworldly 0.90, while registering a .961 save percentage through five games. Pacing can be tricky for goalies in the playoffs — long breaks can mess with flow, while the intense schedule can bring too heavy a workload at times. So far, it’s looking like the Hurricanes’ conservative approach to Andersen’s playing time is paying off.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It’s time to start thinking about the summer for the Minnesota Vikings, with free agency and the draft in the rearview. Every year, we ask our writers to think outside the box in May, delivering bold predictions that are designed to be funky, brash, and outside the box.
Twelve predictions. One busy summer. Minnesota has plenty to sort out before Week 1.
Here’s what they said for the summer of 2026.
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The Vikings’ Summer Could Bring More Than Routine Roster Tweaks
What’s your hottest take for the Vikings before the start of Week 1?
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shares a postgame moment with Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Dec. 7, 2025, in Minneapolis marking a tightly contested matchup that carried late-season implications. The exchange captured McCarthy’s visible reaction as Minnesota continued evaluating its quarterback trajectory. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
1. J.J. McCarthy Wins the QB1 Job
Predictor: Wes Johnson
J.J. McCarthy emerges as the team’s QB1 to open the season after a strong camp battle with Kyler Murray. While this is low-hanging fruit, it’s something that could definitely happen and would light VikingsTwitter on fire.
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2. Vikings Add Not One, But Two, Notable WRs
Predictor: Tony Schultz
My hot summer take is that the Vikings don’t sign a veteran wide receiver. They sign two. Jauan Jennings came in for a talk with the team. He hung out for the day and then left. Don’t worry, he’ll be back. I think the Vikings double down and later pick up DeAndre Hopkins later on. Why? The team has shaved the cap back some, and Hopkins is running out of time in the NFL.
At 33, he sees his personal window closing and his friend and former teammate, Kyler Murray, on a team loaded with offensive talent. For a cheap one-year deal, he gets the Vikings to bring him on board for a fearsome wide receiver corps that makes you pick your poison between the twenties and in the redzone.
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3. Charles Demmings Turns into a Starting CB
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings brought in James Pierre as a free agent with upside, but the athletic ability of Charles Demmings shouldn’t be overlooked. He is a great football player with the ability to find the football in coverage. With a little development over the summer, he could become a starting cornerback alongside Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers.
4. Tyron Ingram-Dawkins Starts at DT; Caleb Banks Does Not
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Predictor: Sean Borman
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will start for Caleb Banks to begin the season. This is not an injury statement but a development one; it gives Banks a little team to watch and shows how Flores would like the position played.
5. Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange Easily Win Starting DT Jobs
Predictor: Brevan Bane
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Caleb Banks and Big Citrus will both win starting jobs during camp. Two top draft picks winning starting jobs may not sound crazy, but both immediately getting starting roles over solid depth players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Elijah Williams isn’t guaranteed. Van Ginkel-Redmond-Orange-Banks-Turner could be an absolute force to be reckoned with on the defensive front in 2026.
6. The Trades Are Not Done
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
The bold prediction is that the Vikings’ trading isn’t done. Someone else gets moved. Maybe it’s Ivan Pace Jr., Walter Rouse, or someone else. But a deal gets done involving a currently rostered player getting traded.
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7. Six Rookies Start Week 1
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy stands alongside tight end Max Bredeson during first-half action against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl, with Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena capturing a high-stakes moment as Michigan pushed toward a national title appearance. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There are a lot of positions up for grabs on the roster, and I liked what Rob Brzezinski and the coaching staff did in the draft. So I’m betting that Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas, Max Bredeson, and Gavin Gerhardt will prove themselves during training camp and be early contributors.
8. A New Starting Safety Not Yet on the Roster
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
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The Vikings will sign a safety in August to replace the retired Harrison Smith.
9. J.J. McCarthy Looks Great, Turns into Hot Trade Commodity
My bold prediction is that J.J. McCarthy actually makes legitimate strides in camp and preseason and becomes a hot trade candidate. Murray wins the job, but McCarthy changes his perception and wins the clear QB2 job over Wentz.
Predictor: Cole Smith
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10. Vikings Add Leonard Floyd (OLB) and a Former 49ers WR
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Leonard Floyd reacts after a key interception during second-half action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Oct. 13, 2025, in Atlanta capturing a momentum-shifting moment against the Buffalo Bills as Floyd celebrated the defensive play amid a competitive regular-season environment. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Leonard Floyd was on the 2021 Super Bowl team with Kevin O’Connell when the Los Angeles Rams took down the Cincinnati Bengals. O’Connell dials up Floyd for the vacant OLB3 spot. And between Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, or Brandon Aiyuk — one is the Week 1 WR3 for the Vikings.
11. Safety Jay Ward Dominates
Predictor: Adam New
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Racey McMath is brought down by Minnesota Vikings defenders Jay Ward and Kalon Barnes at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Aug. 19, 2023, in Minneapolis highlighting a preseason clash featuring depth players fighting for roster roles and defensive positioning during an active evaluation period for both teams. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY NETWORK
Jay Ward shines during the preseason and becomes the Vikings’ best safety over the course of the 2026 season.
t12.Jakobe Thomas Earns a Starting Job
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
At safety, it’ll be 3rd-Rounder Jakobe Thomas in the starting role, not a potentially returning Harrison Smith or more experienced Theo Jackson and Jay Ward. Brian Flores hand-picked his new safety.
t12. Jakobe Thomas Starts a Safety despite Harrison Smith Back for Year No. 15
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Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings get a return from Harrison Smith, but Jakobe Thomas still starts anyway. The rookie winds up taking a spot from either Jay Ward or Theo Jackson.
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